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YOUATT 



it 

ON 



THE STRUCTURE 



AND THE 



DISEASES OF THE HOUSE, 

WITH THEIR REMEDIES. 

ALSO, 

PRACTICAL RULES TO BUYERS, BREEDERS, BREAKERS, SMITHS, ETC. 

BEING 

THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE ENGLISH EDITION OF " YOUATT 
ON THE HORSE," SOMEWHAT SIMPLIFIED. 

BROUGHT DOWN 

BY W. C. SPOONER, M. R. C. V. S M 

AUTHOR OF SEVERAL VETERINARIAN WORKS, 
TO WHICH IS PREFIXED, 

AN ACCOUNT OF THE BREEDS IN THE UNITED STATES, 

COMPILED BY 

HENRY S. RANDALL. 

i 

WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS. 



NEW YORK: 

MILLER, ORTON & CO., 25 PARK ROW. 

1857. 



( 



4\, 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 18on, t>y 

DEEBT & MILLER, 

in the Clerk's Office for the Northern District of New York. 















INTRODUCTORY. 



The universal popularity and pre-eminence in the pub- 
lic favor, both in this country and England, of Mr 
Youatt's work on the Horse, is well known. It has had a 
far wider circulation in the United States than any other 
veterinary work, and but for one or two circumstances, 
it is believed, had prevented it from attaining a still 
vastly wider circulation, — from becoming the common 
hand-book of nearly every farmer in the land who breeds 
or owns horses, who is willing to read anything on a sub- 
ject in which he is so much interested. 

The first of these circumstances is the size of Mr. 
Youatt's entire work. This renders it too expensive for 
general circulation. And it is too minute and voluminous 
in its details for ordinary readers. This elaborateness, so 
far from aiding, confuses the common reader ; the precise 
facts which he seeks — the symptoms and remedies of dis- 
eases, &c, — are too often so scattered through the glow- 
ing amplifications of the accomplished author, that it is 
difficult to clearly distinguish, collect, and apply them. 
And many are repelled not only from the work itself, but 
from reading the author's discussion of a disease, a point 
in breeding, or the like, from impatience of its mere 
length. In a work of this kind, more perhaps than any- 
where else,, applies the often quoted remark of Dr. 
Johnson: " Books that you may carry to the fire, and 
hold reading in your hand, are most useful after all 
A man unit often look at them, and be tempted to go on. 
when he would have been frightened at books of a large? 
siz> , ami of a more erudite aft/>earance" 



17 INTRODUCTORY. 

The following abridgment is intended to obviate the 
above objections. While it is believed, that every thought 
• »r fact in the original, of any importance to the general 
reader, is preserved entire, much that tended to swell un- 
necessarily the limits of the work for such a reader, has 
been omitted. The omissions have been merely anec- 
dotes, historical narrations, accounts of particular cases, 
and, in some instances, the less necessary parts of those 
long anatomical descriptions which could be understood 
only by the surgeon. The symptoms and remedies of dis- 
eases — all that tends to the full understanding of the 
horse and his ailments, is given entire, and almost invari- 
ably in the precise language of Mr. Youatt. The aim 
of this work has not been to re- write Youatt, — but simply 
to strike out what is superfluous in him. 

The second circumstance prejudicial to a wide, popular 
circulation of Mr. Youatt's work, has been, according to 
the common phrase, the "learnedness of its language." 
The work, as again and again avowed in it, was not so 
much written to instruct the horse-owner or breeder, as 
the veterinary surgeon— at least in relation to important 
diseases, operations, &c. Mr. Youatt is therefore often 
at little pains to make himself intelligible to uninstructed 
readers. His language is always learned — frequently 
highly technical. So far as it could be conveniently and 
properly done, an attempt has been made in the following 
pages, to translate his language into that better adapted 
to ordinary comprehension. A common word is often 
substituted for the more learned one of Mr. Youatt, or an 
explanatory one put after it in brackets. The former is 
all the liberty taken in this way with the text, — and 
this is only done where the meaning could be accurately 
preserved. 

But every thinking man will readily see from the very 
nature of the subject, that the improvement to be made 
on the text in the above particulars is limited. When 
speaking of anatomical details, diseases, particular pro- 
cesses, &c, no language is fixed and definite but that of 
science. And it frequently obviates the necessity of very 
tedious and often repeated circumlocution. Take for ex- 
ample the word "auscultation" which signifies dis*i" 



INTRODUCTORY. 



guishing disease by observing the sounds in the part, by 
means of the ear, with or without a tube, applied to the 
surface. Is it necessary to repeat all this every time this 
process is adverted to ? Clearly not. The word " Thorax" 
signifies the cavity of the body above or forward of the 
diaphragm or midriff, — the word " Abdomen' 1 the cavity 
of the body below or behind the diaphragm. Can any 
common words — any of the terms of vulgar quackery — 
be given which will definitely express the above idea.-, 
and which can be any way more easily remembered than 
these ? There cannot. In all such cases, therefore, no 
change of language is attempted. And Webster's Dic- 
tionary will help the reader out of every difficulty of this 
kind. 

We have here a remark to submit to all readers, and 
especially the young reader, in relation to the propef 
manner of reading YouATT^-where the aim is to full\ 
understand him, or the subject which he treats. Thin 
never can be done by dipping into the book here and 
there, in search of information now on one topic, and now 
on another, as the occasion seems to demand it. The; 
work should be read consecutively and carefully from be- 
ginning to end. If this is done, and the reader fixes in 
his mind anatomical names and details, as he advances, 
he will have no difficulty in fully understanding every 
part, and he will be infinitely better prepared to form a 
correct judgment in any case where he is called upon to 
make a practical application of his knowledge. The 
horse-owner who takes this course will find Youatt's 
work an invaluable advantage to him — worth a thousand 
of the common empirical recipe books on farriery. The 
one who does not, will find it, or any other work, of little 
avail. 

W. C. Spooner, Esq., one of the most distinguished 
veterinary writers and practitioners of England, wrote, in 
1849, a Supplement to Mr. Youatt's work, designed to 
u advance it to the present state of veterinary science.'" 
All that is of any importance in this supplement — in fact, 
most of Mr. Spooner's additional remarks entire, have 
been added to the present work in the convenient form 
of notes. Several of them will be found valuable. And 



VI INTRODUCTORY. 

we conceive this gives the work a decided advantage 
over any previous American edition. 

We are enabled to point with much pleasure to the 
illustrations in our volume. They are much more com- 
plete in execution than those of any other similar Araer- 
can publications, and are decidedly superior to those 
/>f the late English editions of Youatt. They are fully 
equal to the original English cuts. 

The present abridgment has been carefully prepared 
by a distinguished and well-known American agricul- 
turist, whose writings have been extensively read 
throughout the United States, for years. The peli mi- 
nary chapter in relation to the breeds now in the United 
States, was complied by Henry S. Randall, Esq., it be- 
ing thought that this would be much more valuable to 
the American reader, than Mr. Youatt's first chapter. 
We believe that the author has been fortunate in the 
execution of his task, and we present the work to the 
public in the confident belief that we are rendering a 
valuable service to an important department of Ameri- 
can Agriculture. 

The Publishers. 



CONTENTS 



INTRODUCTION BY THE PUBLISHERS. 
CHAPTER I. 

Pa (IB 

Breeds of Horses in the United States 17 

The English Race Horse 17 

The Arabian 25 

The Canadian 29 

The Norman 26 

The Morgan 36 

The Cleveland Bay 38 

The Dray 89 

The Trotting Horse 40 



CHAPTER II. 

The Zoological Classification of the Horse 44 

The Sensorial Function 46 



CHAPTER III. 

Injuries and Diseases of the Skull — the Brain — the Ears — and 

the Eyes 68 

Fracture 68 

Exostosis 68 

Caries 68 

Compression of the Brain . „ 69 

Pressure on the Brain 69 

Megrims 69 

Apoplexy 70 

Phrenitis 74 

Rabies, or Madness 76 

Tetanus, or Locked Jaw 79 

Cramp 82 

Stringhalt 83 

Chorea 83 

Fits, or Epilepsy 84 



VUl CONTENTS. 

PAOB 

Palsy 84 

Rheumatism 85 

Neurotomy 86 

Insanity 90 

Diseases of the Eye 91 

Common Inflammation of the Eye 93 

Specific Ophthalmia, or Moon-Blindness 94 

Gutta Serena ; 97 

Diseases of the Ear 98 

Deafness 98 



CHAPTER IV. 

The Anatomy and Diseases of the Nose and Mouth 99 

Nasal Polypus 104 

Nasal Gleet, or Discharge from the Nose 104 

Ozena 105 

Glanders 107 

Farcy 114 

The Lips 117 

The Bones of the Mouth 118 

The Palate 118 

Lampas 119 

The Lower Jaw 120 

Diseases of the Teeth 130 

The Tongue 131 

Diseases of the Tongue 132 

The Salivary Glands 132 

Strangles 133 

The Pharynx 135 



CHAPTER V. 

The Anatomy and Diseases of the Neck and Neighboring Parts 136 

Poll-Evil 13 G 

The Muscles and proper form of the Neck 138 

The Blood- Vessels of the Neck 140 

The Veins of the Neck 1 40 

Inflammation of the Vein 141 

The Palate 142 

The Larynx 142 

The Trachea or Windpipe , 143 

Tracheotomy # 143 

The Bronchial Tubes ! ... 1 .!".*. 1 1 144 



CHAPTER VI. 

The Chest _ 145 

The Spine and Back .'.'.".*.!!!.*.'.*.*.*..". 149 

TW Loins 15Q 



CONTENTS. IX 

PAGE 

The Withers 150 

Fistulous Withers 151 

Warbles, Sitfasts, and Saddle Galls 151 

Chest-Founder 152 



CHAPTER VII. 

The Contents of the Chest 153 

The Thymus Gland 153 

The Diaphragm 153 

Rupture of the Diaphragm 154 

The Pleura 154 

The Lungs 155 

The Heart 155 

Diseases of the Heart 156 

The Arteries 158 

The Pulse 158 

Inflammation 160 

Fever 163 

The Veins 164 

Bog and Blood Spavin 1 64 

Bleeding 166 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Thu, Membrane of the Nose 169 

Catarrh, or Cold , 169 

Inflammation of the Larynx 170 

Inflammation of the Trachea 172 

Roaring 172 

Bronchocele 174 

Epidemic Catarrh 175 

The Malignant Epidemic 181 

Bronchitis 184 

Pneumonia — Inflammation of the Lnngs 186 

Chronic Cough 193 

Thick Wind , 194 

Broken Wind 196 

Phthisis Pulmonalis, or Consumption 199 

Pleurisy 200 



CHAPTER IX. 

The Abdomen and its Contents 206 

The Stomach 206 

Bots .* 208 

The Intestines 210 

The Liver 213 

The Pancreas 213 

The Spleen 213 

The Omentum 213 

a 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER X. 

PAOl 

The Diseases of the Intestines 215 

The Duodenum 215 

Spasmodic Colic 215 

Flatulent Colic . . . 218 

Inflammation of the Bowels 220 

Enteritis 220 

Physicking 224 

Calculi, or Stones, in the Intestines 226 

Introsusception of the Intestines 226 

Entanglement of the Bowels 226 

Worms 227 

Hernia, or Rupture 227 

Diseases of the Liver 228 

Jaundice 229 

The Kidneys 230 

Inflammation of the Kidneys 281 

Diabetes, or Profuse Staling 233 

Bloody Urine — Hematuria 233. 

Albuminous Urine 234 

The Bladder 234 

Inflammation of the Bladder 234 

Stone in the Bladder 235 



CHAPTER XI. 

Breeding, Castration, <fec 237 

Castration 244 



CHAPTER XII. 

The Fore Legs 247 

Sprain of the Shoulder 24<? 

Slanting direction of the Shoulder 247 

The Humerus, or Lower Bone of the Shoulder. 252 

The Arm 252 

The Knee 253 

Broken Knees 254 

The Leg 256 

Splint 256 

Sprain of the Back-Sinews 258 

Wind-Galls 261 

The Pasterns 263 

Injuries to the Suspensory Ligament 265 

The Fetlock 265 

Grogginess 265 

Cutting 266 

Sprain of the Coffin-Joint 2 Of; 

Ringbone 26$ 



CONTENTR. XI 



CHAPTER XIII. 

PAGE 

The Hind Legs 271 

The Haunch 271 

The Thigh 272 

The Stifle 215 

Thorough-Pin 277 

The Hock , 277 

Enlargement of the Hock 279 

Curb 280 

Bog Spavin 281 

Bone Spavin 283 

Capped Hock 285 

Mallenders and Sallenders 286 

Swelled Legs 287 

Grease 288 



CHAPTER XIV. 

The foot ; 293 

The Crust or Wall of the Hoof !!!.!!!!..*!..*.".*! 294 

The Coronary Ring 296 

The Bars 296 

The Horny Laminae 997 

The Sole '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. 297 

The Frog '.'.'.'.'.'. 298 

The Coffin-Bone 299 

The Sensible Sole 300 

The Sensible Frog 300 

The Navicular Bone 300 

The Cartilages of the Foot 301 



CHAPTER XV. 

The Diseases of the Foot 802 

Inflammation of the Foot, or Acute Founder 302 

Chronic Founder 305 

Pumiced Feet 305 

Contraction 307 

The Navicular -Joint Disease 311 

Sand-Crack 317 

Tread and Over-reach 319 

False Quarter 320 

Quittor 321 

Prick or Wound in the Sole or Crust 324 

Corns !.. 326 

Thrush 328 

Canker 330 

Ossification of the Cartilages , , 88] 

Weakness of the Foot . 33 t 



JO! CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

FaAGTURES 3S3 



CHAPTER XVII. 

On Shoeing 343 

The putting on the Shoe 346 

Calkins 346 

Clips 346 

The hinder Shoe 347 

Different kinds of Shoes 34*7 

The Concave-seated Shoe 348 

The Unilateral, or one side nailed Shoe 349 

The Hunting Shoe 351 

The Bar Shoe 352 

Tips 352 

The Expanding Shoe 353 

Felt or Leather Soles 353 

Stopping the Feet 355 

The Sandal 556 

To Manage a Fallen Horse 358 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Operations 359 

Bleeding 361 

Blistering 362 

Firing 364 

Setons 366 

Docking 367 

Nicking 368 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Tbe Vices and Disagreeable or Dangerous Habits of the Horse 370 

Restiveness 370 

Backing or Gibbing 370 

Biting 372 

Getting the Cheek of the Bit into the Mouth 372 

Kicking 373 

Unsteadiness while being Mounted 374 

Rearing 374 

Running Away 375 

Vicious to Clean 375 

Vicious to Shoe 376 

Swallowing without Grinding 377 

Crib Biting 378 



CONTENTS. fill 

P.\GB 

Wind-Suckmg. . - 379 

Cutting 379 

Not Lying Down 380 

Overreach 380 

Pawing 380 

Quidding 381 

Rolling 381 

Shying 381 

Slipping the Collar 383 

Tripping 384 

Weaving; 384 



CHAPTER XX. 

The General Management of the Horse 385 

Air 385 

Litter 387 

Light • 388 

Grooming 389 

Exercise 391 

Food 392 



CHAPTER XXI. 

The Skjn and its Diseases 405 

Hide-bound 407 

Pores of the Skin 409 

Moulting 410 

Color 411 

Surfeit 415 

Mange 416 

Warts 419 

Vermin 419 



CHAPTER XXII. 
fV* Soundness, and the Purchase and Sale of Horses 420 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

A List of the Medicines used in the Treatment of the Diseases ov 
the Horse 435 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



■■«• ♦ »»- 



net 
PORTRAIT OF CtNSTERNAIION, .... FRONTISPIECE 

PORTRAIT OF FLYING CHILDERS, 18 

PORTRAIT OF LOUIS PHILIPPE (NORMAN), . . . . . 30 

PORTRAIT OF GENERAL GIFFORD (MORGAN), .... 35 

PORTRAIT OF LADY SUFFOLK (TROTTER), 41 

FIG. 1. SKELETON OF THE HORSE, .... .45 

" 2. BONES OF THE HORSE'S HEAD, 47 

" 3. SECTION OF THE HORSE'S HEAD, 49 

" 4. DIAGRAM OF THE SKULL, 53 

" 5. OCCIPITAL BONE OF THE HORSE, 54 

" 6. SPINAL CHORD, WITH BRANCHING NERVES, ... 67 

" 7. SECTION OF THE EYE, 62 

" 8. MUSCLES OF THE EYE, 66 

" 9. HORSE WITH LOCKJAW, 79 

" 10. ANATOMY OF THE LEG AND FOOT, .... 87 

* 11. SECTION OF UPPER JAW BONE, 101 

* 4 12. MUSCLES, NERVES, AND BLOOD-VESSELS OF THE HEAD 

AND UPPER PART OF NECK, . . . . 10:2 

" 13. THE PALATE, 118 

" 14. TEETH OF A FOAL A FEW DAYS AFTER BIRTH, . 121 

" 15. TEETH OF A FOAL AT TWO MONTHS, . . . .121 

" 16. TEETH OF A FOAL AT TWELVE MONTHS, . . . 122 

" 17. TRANSVERSE SECTION OF A GRINDER, . . . ,123 

" 18. TEETH OF A YEAR AND A HALF, . . . . 123 

i4 19. TEETH OF THREE YEARS, 124 

M 20. TEETH AT THREE YEARS AND A HALF, . . . 126 

" 21. TEETH AT FIVE YEARS, .... .126 

" 22. TEETH AT SIX YEARS, . . . . . 127 

" 23. TEETH AT SEVEN YEARS, . . . . .128 

" 24. TEETH AT EIGHT OR NINE YEARS, ... 128 

w 25. FINEST SHAPE OF HEAD AND NECK, . • . 138 



£Vl 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



FIG 


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28. 


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29. 


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31. 


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32. 


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64. 



THE RIBS AND VERTEBRAE, ' 

THE STOMACH, ...... 

THE BOT FLY IN ITS VARIOUS STAGES, 

THE INTESTINES, 

SECTION OF THE BLIND GUT, 
ENTANGLEMENT OF THE INTESTINES, 
CURVED AND STRAIGHT CATHETER, . 
BONES Or THE LEGS, .... 

SIMPLE LEVER, 

MUSCLES OF OUTSIDE OF THE SHOULDER, 
MUSCLES OF INSIDE OF SHOULDER AND FOREARM, 
SECTION OF THE PASTERN, .... 
INSIDE VIEW OF BONES OF PASTERN, 
OUTSIDE VIEW OF BONES OF PASTERN, . 
ATTACHMENTS OF THE MUSCLES OF PASTERN, 
DISEASES OF THE FORE LEG, . . . 

INSIDE MUSCLES OF HIND LEG, .... 
OUTSIDE MUSCLES OF HIND LEG, . . . 

THE HAUNCH AND HIND LEGS, .... 

THE HOCK JOINT, 

ANATOMY OF THE FOOT; . . . . 

ANATOMY OF THE BASE OF THE FOOT, . 
THE CORONARY RING, . 

PERCEVALL'S SUSPENSORY APPARATUS, . . 

THE CONCAVE SEATED SHOE .... 

THE UNILATERAL SHOE, . . . 

OPERATION FOR CORNS, . ... 

percevall's SANDAL, 

PERCEVALL'S SANDAL FASTENED TO THE FOOT, . 



Pagb 
145 
206 
208 
210 
212 
226 
336 
247 
248 
25o 
251 
263 
267 
267 
267 
269 
273 
274 
276 
278 
293 
293 
296 
334 
348 
350 
351 
356 
»6" 



THE HORSE. 



CHAPTER I. 



PRINCIPAL BREEDS AND VARIETIES OF HORSES IN THE 
UNITED STATES. 

The horse was not known on any part of the American Conti- 
nent, until introduced by Europeans. 

The principal breeds and varieties which now prevail in the 
United States, are the common horse, descended from the horses 
originally introduced by the English colonists, and mixed, more 
or less, with varieties of later introduction : the thorough-bred 
or Race-horse ; the Arabian ; the Canadian ; the Norman ; the 
Morgan ; the Cleveland Bay ; the Dray ; and the American 
Trotting-horse. 

The mongrel known as the " common horse," is too various 
in blood, and too multiform in his characteristics, to admit of any 
particular description. 

THE RACE-HORSE. 

Mr. Youatt says : " There is much dispute with regard to the 
origin of the thorough-bred horse. By some he is traced through 
both sire and dam to Eastern parentage ; others believe him to 
be the native horse, improved and perfected by judicious crossing 
with the Barb, the Turk, or the Arabian. The Stud Book, 
which is an authority acknowledged by every English breeder, 
traces all the old racers to some Eastern origin ; or it traces 
them until the pedigree is lost in the uncertainty of an early pe- 
riod of breeding. If the pedigree of a racer of the present day 
be required, it is traced back to a certain extent, and ends with 
a well-known racer ; or, if an earlier derivation be required, that 
ends with an Eastern horse, or in obscurity. 

It must, on the whole, be allowed, that the present English 




FLYING CHILDER8. 



thorough-bred horse is of foreign extraction, improved and per- 
fected by the influence of the climate, and by diligent cultivation. 
There are some exceptions, as in the case of Sampson and Bay- 
Malton, in each of whom, although the best horses of their day, 
there was a cross of vulgar blood ; but they are only exceptions 
to a general rule. In our best racing stables, and, particularly 
in the studs of the Earls of Grosvenor and Egremont, this is 
an acknowledged principle ; and it is not, when properly con- 
sidered, a principle at all derogatory to the credit of the country. 
The British climate, and British skill, made the thorough- bred 
horse what he is. 

The beautiful tales of Eastern countries, and somewhat re- 
moter days, may lead us to imagine that the Arabian horse pos- 
sesses marvellous powers ; but it cannot admit of a doubt, that 
the English trained horse is more beautiful, and far, swifter and 
stouter, than the justly-famed coursers of the desert. In the 
burning plains of the East, and the frozen climate of Russia, he 
has invariably beaten every antagonist on his native ground. A 
few years ago Recruit, an English horse of moderate reputation, 
easily beat Pyramus, the best Arabian on the Bengal side of 
India. 

It must not be objected, that the numoer of Eastern norses im- 
ported is far too small to produce so numerous a progeny. It 
will be recollected, that the thousands of wild horses on the 
plains of South America descended from only two stallions and 
four mares, which the early Spanish adventurers left there. 






?« 



19 

FLYING CHILDERS J 

Whatevei may be tht, truth as to the origin of the race- horse, 
the strictest attention has for the last fifty years been paid to 
pedigree. In the descent of almost every modern racer, not the 
slightest flaw can be discovered : or when, with the splendid ex- 
ception of Sampson and Bay-Malton, one drop of common blood 
has mingled with the pure stream, it has been immediately de- 
tected in the inferiority of form, and deficiency of bottom, and 
it has required two or three generations to. wipe away the stain, 
and get rid of its consequences. 

The racer is generally distinguished by his beautiful Arabian 
head ; his fine and finely-set-on neck ; his oblique, lengthened 
shoulders; well-bent hinder legs; his ample, muscular quar- 
ters ; his flat legs, rather short from the knee downward, although 
not always so deep as they should be ; and his long and elastic 
pastern. These are separately considered where the structure of 
the horse is treated of. 

The racer, however, with the most beautiful form, is occa- 
sionally a sorry animal. There is sometimes a want of energy 
in an apparently faultless shape, for which there is no account- 
ing ; but there are two points among those just enumerated, 
which will rarely or never deceive, a well-placed shoulder and 
a well-bent hinder leg. 

The Darley Arabian was the parent of our best racing stock 
He was purchased by Mr. Darley's brother, at Aleppo, and was 
bred in the neighboring desert of Palmyra. 

The immediate descendants of this invaluable horse, were the 
Devonshire or Flying Childers ; the Bleeding or Bartlett's Chil- 
ders, who was never trained ; Almanzor, and others. 

The two Childers were the means through which the blood 
y\ and fame of their sire were widely circulated, and from them 
^descended another Childers, Blaze, Snap, Sampson, Eclipse, and 
a host of excellent horses. 

The Devonshire or Flying Childers, so called from the 
name of his breeder, Mr, Childers, of Carr-House, and the sale 
of him to the Duke s of Devonshire* was the fleetest horse of his 
day. He was at first trained as a hunter, but the superior speed 
and courage which he "discovered caused him to be soon trans- 
ferred to the turf. Common report affirms, that he could run a 
mile in a minute, but there is no authentic record of this. Chil- 
ders fan over the round course at^Newmarket (three miles six fur- 
longs and ninety -three yards) in six minutes and forty seconds ; 
and the Beacon course (four miles one furlong and one hundred 
and thirty-eight yards) in seven minutes ajyjd thirty seconds. In 
1772 a mile was nil by Firetail, in one minute and four seconds 
In October, 174., at the Curragh meeting in Ireland, Mr. 
Wilde engaged to ride one hundred and twenty-seven miles in 



".: 



20 ECLirsE. 

nine hours. He performed it in six hours and tewnty-one min- 
utes. He employed ten horses, and, allowing for mounting and 
dismounting, and a moment for refreshment, he rode for six 
hours at the rate of twenty miles an hour. 

Mr Thornhill, in 1745, exceeded this, for he lode from Stil- 
ton to London and back, and again to Stilton, being two hun- 
dred and thirteen miles, in eleven hours and thirty -four minutes, 
which is, after allowing the least possible time for changing 
horses, twenty miles an hour for eleven hours, and on the turn- 
pike road and uneven ground. 

Mr. Shaftoe, in 1762, with ten horses, and five of them ridden 
twice, accomplished fifty miles and a quarter, in one hour and 
forty-nine minutes. In 1763, Mr. Shaftoe won a more extraor- 
dinary match. He was to procure a person to ride one hundred 
miles a day, on any one horse each day, for twenty-nine days 
together, and to have any number of horses not exceeding twenty- 
nine. He accomplished it on fourteen horses ; and on one day 
he rode one hundred and sixty miles, on account of the tiring of 
his first horse. 

Mr. Hull's duibbler, however, afforded the most extraordinary 
instance on record, of the stoutness as well as speed of the race- 
horse. In December, 1786, he ran twenty-three miles round the 
flat at Newmarket, in fifty-seven minutes and ten seconds. 

Eclipse was got by Marsk, a grandson of Bartlett's Guilders. 

Of the beauty, yet peculiarity of his form, much has been said 
The very great size, obliquity, and lowness of his shoulders were 
the objects of general remark — with the shortness of his fore- 
quarters, his ample and finely proportioned quarters, and the 
swelling muscles of his fore-arm and thigh. Of his speed, no 
correct estimate can be formed, for he never met with an op- 
ponent sufficiently fleet to put it to the test. 

He was bred by the Duke of Cumberland, and sold at hia 
death to Mr. Wildman, a sheep salesman, for seventy-five guineas. 
Col. 0' Kelly purchased a share of him from Wildman. In the 
spring of the following year, when the reputation of this wonder- 
ful animal was at its height, 0' Kelly wished to become sole 
owner of him, and bought the remaining share for one thousand 
pounds. 

Eclipse was what is termed a thick- winded horse, and pulled 
and roared so as to be heard at a considerable distance. For 
this or some other cause, he was not brought on the turf until he 
was five years old. 

0' Kelly, aware of his horse's powers, had backed him freely 
oil his first race, in May, 1769. The first heat was easily won, 
when O'K^ily, observing that the rider had been pulling at 
Eclipse during the whole of the race, offered a wager that he 



LORD GODOLPHIN & ARABIAN. 21 

placed the horses in the next heat. This seemed a thing sc 
highly improbable, that he immediately had bets to a large 
amount. Being called on to declare, he replied, "Eclipse first, 
and the rest nowhere !" The event justified his prediction : it 11 
the others were distanced by Eclipse with the greatest ease ; or, 
in the language of the turf, they had no place. 

In the spring of the following year, he beat Mr. Wentworth's 
Bucephalus, who had never before been conquered. Two days 
afterwards he distanced Mr. Strode's Pensioner, a very good 
horse ; and, in the August of the same year, he won the gre;it 
subscription at York. No horse daring to enter against him, he 
closed his short career of seventeen months, by walking over the 
Newmarket course for the king's plate, on October the 18th, 
1770. He was never beaten, nor ever paid forfeit, and won for 
his owner more than twenty-five thousand pounds. 

Eclipse was afterwards employed as a stallion, and produced 
the extraordinary number of three hundred and thirty-four win- 
ners, and these netted to their owners more than a hundred and 
sixty thousand pounds exclusive of plates and cups. This fine 
animal died in 1789, at the age of twenty-five years. * 

More than twenty years after the Darley Arabian, and when 
the value of the Arabian blood was fully established, Lord Godol- 
phin possessed a beautiful, but singularly-shaped horse, which he 
called an Arabian, but which was really a Barb. His crest, 
lofty and arched almost to a fault, will distinguish him from 
every other horse. 

He had a sinking behind his shoulders, almost as peculiar, and 
a corresponding elevation of the spine towards the loins. His 
muzzle was uncommonly fine, his head beautifully set on, his 
shoulders capacious, and his quarters well spread out. He was 
picked up in France, where he was actually employed in draw- 
ing a cart ; and when he was afterwards presented to Lord 
Godolphin, he was in that nobleman's stud a considerable time 
before his value was discovered. It was not until the birth of 
Lath, one of the first horses of that period, that his excellence 
began to be appreciated. He was then styled an Arabian, and 
became, in even a greater degree than the Darley, the founder 
of the modern thorough-bred horses. He died in 1753, at the 
age of twenty-nine. 

An intimate friendship subsisted between him and a cat, which 
either sat on his back when he was in the stable, or nestled as 
closely to him as she could. At his death, the cat refused her 

* The produce of King Herod x descendant of Flying Child ers, was even 
more numerous. He g-it no less than four hundred and ninety-seven win- 
ners, who gained for their proprietors upwards of two hundred thousand 
pounds. Highflyer was a son of King Herod. 



22 HORSES BROUGHT OUT TOO EARLY. 

food, and pined away, and soon died. — Mr. Holcroft gives a 
similar relation of the attachment between a race-horse and a 
cat, which the courser would take in his mouth and place in his 
manger and upon his back without hurting her. Chillaby, called 
from his great ferocity the. Mad Arabian, whom one only of the 
grooms dared to approach, and who savagely tore to pieces the 
mage of a man that was purposely placed in his way, had his 
peculiar attachment to a lamb, who used to employ himself for- 
mally an hour, in butting away the flies from him. 

It has been imagined that the breed of racing horses has lately 
very considerably degenerated. This is not the case. Thorough- 
bred horses were formerly fewer in number, and their perform- 
ances created greater wonder. The breed has now increased 
twenty-fold, and superiority is not so easily obtained among so 
many competitors. If one circumstance could, more than any 
other, produce this degeneracy, it would be our absurd and cruel 
habit of bringing out horses too soon, and the frequent failure 
ol tneir legs before they have come to their full power. Childers 
and Eclipse did not appear until they were five years old ; but 
many of our best horses, and those, perhaps, who would have 
shown" equal excellence with the most celebrated racers, are 
foundered and destroyed before that period. 

Whether the introduction of short races, and so young horses, be 
advantageous, and whether stoutness and usefulness may not thus 
be somewhat too much sacrificed to speed : whether there may 
be danger that an animal designed for service may, in process of 
time, be frittered away almost to a shadow of what he was, in 
order that at two years old, over the one-mile-course, he may as- 
tonish the crowd by his fleetness, — are questions that more con- 
cern the sporting man than the agriculturist ; and yet they con- 
cern the agriculturist too, for racing is principally valuable as 
connected with breeding, and as the test of breeding. 

The horse is as susceptible of pleasure and pain as ourselves. 
He was committed to us for our protection and our use ; he is a 
willing, devoted servant. Whence did we derive the right to 
abuse him ? Interest speaks the same language : many a race 
has been lost by the infliction of wanton cruelty." 

Consternation, whose portrait fronts the title-page, is the prop- 
erty of John B. Burnett, Esq., Syracuse, N. Y. He was bred by 
Matthew Hornsey, Esq., Sittenham, near York, Yorkshire, England, 
in 1841. He was sold by that gentleman to C. T. Albot, Esq., 
who imported him into the United States in 1846, and introduced 
him into Stokes, Oneida Co., N. Y. He is a brown horse, dap- 
pled with bay — an unusual, but a rich and pleasing color. He 
is fully fifteen hands and three inches high, without his shoes, 
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24 CONSTERNATION. 

a compact, and, for a thorough-bred, very bony horse, like his 
immediate ancestors, Confederate, Curiosity, Figaro, &c. In- 
deed, his sire, Confederate, after being withdrawn from the turf, 
was kept by his breeder, Earl Fitzwilliam, to breed hunters and 
carriage-horses from, owing to Lis size, bone, and symmetry, — 
properties which eminently marked his progeny. His dam, Cu- 
riosity, was a large, strong mare ; and her sire, Figaro, possessed 
the same characteristics. The size and bone of Consternation 
are not, therefore, accidental, or merely individual traits ; they 
belong to his family, and are, consequently, far more likely to 
be transmitted to his descendants ; and experience has shown, 
that he almost invariably transmits these properties to his de- 
scendants.* 

Consternation is beautifully symmetrical in all his proportions, 
with a plumpness and roundness of outline unusual in the 
thorough-bred ; more like a perfect hunter, or exceedingly stylish 
carriage-horse, but without a particle of coarseness, cloddiness. or 
deviation from a true blood-like look. 

He is a horse of extn. ordinary mettle and activity, rapid in all 
his paces, singularly elastic and graceful in his movements. He 
walks nearly five miles an hour, and is a beautiful and rapid 
trotter. We believe he might be made a fleet, if not a " crack" 
trotter, under the training of Woodruff or Wheelan. He ran 
but one race in England, beating Phoenician, at York. (See 
Johnson's Racing Calendar, 1845.) He was entered for the St. 
Leger, but, owing to an accident, which injured his off fore-leg, 
he was disqualified temporarily, and perhaps permanently, from 
running. Before this point was decided, Mr. Albot purchased 
and imported him to America for a breeding stallion. He was 
selected with more especial reference to the improvement of our 
common stock of horses. 

Consternation arrived in the United States in the latter part 
of June, 1345, and was shown in the September following, while 
still suffering from the effects of his voyage, at the N. Y. State 
Fair at Utica. He received the first premium in the class of 
blood horses, beating Mr. Hungerford's Sir Henry, Mr. Crosby's 
Florizelle, Mr. Thompson's Sir Charles — the viewing committee 
consisting of Col. J. M. Sherwood, Hon. John A. King, and Col. 
Edward Long. He was not again shown at a State Fair until 
1849, at Syracuse. He here received the certificate of superior- 

* The writer of this has seen perhaps fifty colts, from one to three years 
old, the get of Consternation, from common dams, and those possessing dif- 
ferent proportions of blood. Every one of these has shown good size, and 
quite as much bone as it is common to see in the get of the common coarse 
stallions of the country. 



THE ARABIAN HORSE. *«- 

ity,* beating Lance, Waxy Pope (imported), Young Alexander 
.Sir Henry (by the horse of the same name, exiiibited at Jtica) 
Waxy (by Waxy Pope), and several others. 

We have been thus full in speaking of Consternation, be- 
cause we believe that it is by a judicious cross with the thor- 
ough-bred horse, that the greatest improvement is to be mad< 
with a class of our common mares, in breeding animals with 
style, speed, and, above all, bottom, for the carriage, the buggy 
and the saddle ; and because we believe on the principle that 
tike produces like, Consternation promises better for such a 
cross than any other blood stallion of which we have any 
knowledge. 

' His pedigree includes a host of winners, and the most cele- 
brated horses of England. It is given on the preceding page 

It may interest some who wish to breed common mare* to 
Consternation, and who, very properly, consider color an im- 
portant consideration in carriage and saddle horses, to know that 
of his ancestors above given thirty-jive were bay — twelve, brown 
— ten, chestnut — and two, black. 



THE ARABIAN HORSE. 

Mr. Youatt says: — "Although in the seventh century the 
Arabs had no horses of value, yet the Cappadocian and other 
horses which they had derived from their neighbors, were pre- 
served with so much care, and propagated so uniformly and 
strictly from the finest of the breed, that in the 13th century 
the Arabian horse began to assume a just, and unrivalled 
celebrity. 

There are said to be three breeds or varieties of Arabian 
horses : the Attechi, or inferior breed, on which they set little 
value, and which are found wild on some parts of the deserts : 
the Kadischi, literally horses of an unknown race, answering to 
our half-bred horses — a mixed breed ; and the Kochlani, r* irses 
whose genealogy, according to the Arab account, is known for 
two thousand years. Many of them have written and attested 
pedigrees extending more than four hundred years, and, with 
true Eastern exaggeration, traced by oral tradition from the 
stud of Solomon. A more careful account is kept of these 
gvnealogies than belongs to the most ancient family of the 
pioudest Arab chief, and very singular precautions are taken to 

* His having 1 once drawn the first premium in the same class, by the 
regulations of the Society, disqualified him from again receiving it. But 
in such cases, the former winner, if adju Iged best, receives a certificate to 
that effect. 



■siO PECULIARITIES OT iiiE ARALTAJN! HOUSE. 

prevent the possibility of fraud, so far as the written pedigree 
extends. 

The Kochlani are principally reared by the Bedouin Arabs, 
in the remoter deserts. A stallion may be procured witluut 
much difficulty, although at a great price. A mare is rarely to 
be obtained, except by fraud and excessive bribery. The Arabs 
have found out that which the English breeder should never 
forget, that the female is more concerned than the male in the 
excellence and value of the produce ; and the genealogies ol 
their horses are always reckoned from the mothers. 

The Arabian horse would not be acknowledged by every 
judge to possess a perfect form : his head, however, is inimitable. 
The broadness and squareness of the forehead, the shortness and 
fineness of the muzzle, the prominence and brilliancy of the eye, 
the smallness of the ears, and the beautiful course of the veins, 
will always characterize the head of the Arabian horse. 

His body may be considered as too light, and his chest as too 
narrow ; but behind the arms the barrel generally swells out, 
and leaves sufficient room for the play of the lungs. 

In the formation of the shoulder, next to that of the head, the 
Arab is superior to any other breed. The withers are high, and 
the shoulder-blade inclined backward, and so nicely adjusted, 
that in descending a hill the point or edge of the ham never 
ruffles the skin. He may not be thought sufficiently high ; he 
seldom stands more than fourteen hands two inches. 

The fineness of his legs, and the oblique position of his 
pasterns, may be supposed to lessen his apparent strength ; but 
the leg, although small, is flat and wiry ; anatomists know that 
the bone has no common density, and the startling muscles of 
the fore-arm and the thigh indicate that he is fully capable of 
accomplishing many of the feats which are recorded of him. 

The Barb alone excels him in noble and spirited action ; and 
if there be defects about him, he is perfect for that for which he 
was designed. He presents the true combination of speed and 
bottom — strength enough to carry more than a light weight, and 
courage that would cause him to die rather than to give up. 

We may not, perhaps, believe all that is told us of the 
Arabian. It has been remarked, that there are on the deserts 
which this horse traverses no mile-stones to mark the distance, 
or watches to calculate the time ; and the Bedouin is naturally 
given to exaggeration, and, most of all, when relating the 
prowess of the animal, which he loves as dearly as his children : 
yet it cannot be denied that, at the introduction of the Arabian 
into the European stables, there was no other horse comparable 
to him. 

The Ar?b Y n ™ n 's as celebrated for his docilitv and F'.My] 



KIND TREATMENT OF HIS HORSE BV THE ARAB. 27 

temper as for his speed and courage. In that delightful book, 
4 Bishop Heber's Narrative of a Journe) through the Upper 
Provinces of India,' the following interest cig character is given 
of him. " My morning rides are very pleasant. My horse is a 
nice, quiet, good-tempered little Arab, who is so fearless, that 
he goes without starting close to an elephant, and so gentle and 
docile that he eats bread out of my hand, and has almost as 
much attachment and coaxing ways as a dog. This seems the 
general character of the Arab horses, to judge from what I have 
seen in this country. It is not the fiery dashing animal I had 
supposed, but with more rationality about him, and more ap- 
parent confidence in his rider, than the majority of English 
horses." 

The kindness with which he is treated from a foal, gives him 
an affection for his master, a wish to please, a pride in exerting 
every energy in obedience to his commands, and, consequently, 
an apparent sagacity which is seldom seen in other breeds. 
The mare and her foal inhabit the same tent with the Bedouin 
and his children. The neck of the mare is often the pillow 
of the rider, and, more frequently, of the children, who are 
rolling about upon her and the foal : yet no accident ever occurs, 
and the animal acquires that friendship and love for man which 
occasional ill-treatment will not cause him for a moment to 
forget. 

When the Arab falls from his mare, and is unable to rise, she 
will immediately stand still, and neigh until assistance arrives. 
If he lies down to sleep, as fatigue sometimes compels him, in 
the midst of the desert, she stands watchful over him, and neighs 
and rouses him if either man or beast approaches. An old Arab 
had a valuable mare that had carried him for fifteen years in 
many a hard-fought battle, and many a rapid weary march ; at 
length, eighty years old, and unable longer to ride her, he gave 
her, and a scimiter that had been his father's, to his eldest son 
and told him to appreciate their value, and never lie down to 
rest until he had rubbed them both as bright as a looking-glass. 
In the first skirmish in which the young man was engaged he 
was killed, and the mare fell into the hands of the enemy. 
When the news reached the old man, he exclaimed that "life 
was no longer worth preserving, for he had lost both his son and 
his mare, and he grieved for one as much as the other ;" and he 
immediately sickened and died. 

Man, however, is an inconsistent being. The Arab who thus 
lives with and loves his horses, regarding them as his most 
valuable treasure, sometimes treats them with a cruelty scarcely 
to be believed, and not at all to be justified. The severest treat- 
ment which the English race-horse endures is gentleness compared 



28 ANECDOTE. 

wiih the trial of the young Arabian. Probably the filly has 
never before been mounted ; she is led out ; her owner springs 
on her back, and goads her over the sand and rocks of the desert 
at fuli speed for fifty or sixty miles without one moment's respite. 
She is then forced, steaming and panting, into water deep enough 
tor her to swim. If, immediately after this, she will eat as if 
nothing had occurred, her character is established, and she is 
acknowledged to be a genuine descendant of the Kochlani 
breed. The Arab is not conscious of the cruelty which he thus 
inflicts. It is an invariable custom, and custom will induce us 
to inflict many a pang on those whom, after all, we love. 

The following anecdote of the attachment of an Arab to his 
mare has often been told, but it comes home to the bosom 
oi" every one possessed of common feeling. " The whole stock 
of an Arab of the desert consisted of a mare. The French consul 
offered to purchase her in order to send her to his sovereign, 
Louis XIV. The Arab would have rejected the proposal at once 
with indignation and scorn ; but he was miserably poor. He 
had no means of supplying his most urgent wants, or procuring 
the barest necessaries of life. Still he hesitated ; — he had 
scarcely a rag to cover him — and his wife and children were 
starving. The sum offered was great, — it would provide him 
and his family with food for life. At length, and reluctantly, he 
consented. He brought the mare to the dwelling of the consul, — 
he dismounted, — he stood leaning upon her ; — he looked now at 
the gold, and then at his favorite ; he sighed — he wept. ' To 
whom is it,' said he, ' I am going to yield thee up ? To Europeans, 
who will tie thee close, — who will beat thee, — who will render 
thee miserable. Return with me, my beauty, my jewel, and 
rejoice the hearts of my children.' As he pronounced the last 
words, he sprung upon her back, and was out of sight in a mo- 
ment." 

Our horses would fare badly on the scanty nourishment afforded 
the Arabian. The mare usually has but one or two meals in 
twenty-four hours. During the day she is tied to the door of the 
tent, ready for the Bedouin to spring, at a moment's warning, 
into the saddle ; or she is turned out before the tent ready sad- 
dled, the bridle merely taken off, and so trained that she gallops 
up immediately at her master's call. At night she receives a 
little water ; and with her scanty provender of five or six pounds 
of barley or beans, and sometimes a little straw, she lies down 
content, in the midst of her master's family. She can. however, 
endure great fatigue ; she will travel fifty miles without stopping ; 
she has been pushed, on emergency, one hundred and twenty 
miles, and occasionally, neither she nor her rider has tasted food 
for three whole days. 



THE CANADIAN AND THE NORMAN HORSE. 29 

To the Arabian, principally, England is indebted for her im- 
proved and now unrivalled breed of horses for the turf, the field, 
and the road." 

As already said, when speaking of the English race-horse, the 
Arabian is not equal to his English descendant. This has also 
been incontestably proved in the United States. Pure blood 
Arabians of the highest pretensions have at various times been 
mported into our country ; but they have never compared in 
either speed or bottom, with the English race-horse and his 
descendants. 



THE CANADIAN HORSE, 

Found in the Canadian Provinces, and somewhat in the 
Northern United States, is too well known to require any partic- 
ular description. He is mainly of French descent — though many 
so called, and doubtless some of the fleetest ones, are the produce of a 
cross between the Canadian and the English thorousfh-bred stal- 
lion. They are a long-lived, easily kept, and exceedingly hardy 
race, making good farm and draft horses, when sufficiently large. 
In form, many of them display in a marked manner the charac- 
teristics of the Norman — so too in their general qualities — but 
they are usually considerably smaller. Stallions of this breed 
have in various instances, of late, been introduced into New York 
and other northern States, to cross with our common mares. 
The result has been decidedly satisfactory, particularly in giving 
compactness and vigor of constitution, where the dam does not 
excel in those particulars. 

A black stallion imported from Canada, a few years since, by 
Mr. John Legg, of Skaneateles, N. Y., has got several hundred 
colts, which, when broken, have averaged about one hundred 
dollars a piece in value ; a siim considerably above the average 
prices of horses in the country. They are almost invariably fair 
roadsters, and excellent farm-horses. This cross is more and 
more finding favor among our farmers. 



THE NORMAN HORSE. 

In connection with the Canadian — though not so old a variety 
in the United States, as some of which we have presently to 
speak — we will advert to the French or Norman horse, from 
which the Canadian is descended. We cannot do this more 
satisfactorily to ourselves, or more usefully to the reader, than to 
publish entire the following interesting and admirably candid 



30 



LETTER FROM MR. HARRTS. 



'etter from Edward Harris, Esq., of Moorestowii, Burlington Co., 
New Jersey, who introduced this breed into the United States. 




LOUIS PHULIPB7 

Moorestown, April 6, 1850. 

My dear Sir : — Your kind favor of the last of March has been duly 
received. I regret that, in consequence of the decease of a near relative, 
it has been out of my power to prepare my answer as soon as you desired. 

I thank you, my dear sir, for the order you have suggested to be observed 
in my communication. You will soon perceive that I am by no means a 
practised writer, therefore your suggestions are the more acceptable in 
aiding me to draw up my " plain, unvarnished tale." 

These horses first came under my observation on a journey through 
France in the year 1831. I was struck with the immense power displayed 
hy them in drawing the heavy diligences of that country, at a pace which, 
although not as rapid as the stage-coach travelling of England, yet such a 
pace, say from five to nine miles per hour, the lowest rate of which 1 do 
not hesitate to say, would, in a short time, kill the English horse if placed 
before the same load. In confirmation of this opinion I will give you an 
extract from an article on the Norman horse in the British Quarterly Jour- 
nal of Agriculture, which I quoted in my communication to the Farmer's 
Cabinet of Philadelphia, in 1842, as follows: — 



* Bred by Edward Harris, Esq., of Moorestown, New Jersey (in 1843), 
from his pure imported Norman stock. (See Mr. Harris's letter which 
follows.) Louis Phillipe is an excellent characteristic specimen of the 
Norman horse, is a dapple gray, fifteen hands one and one half inches high 
and weighs twelve hundred pounds, in good condition. He is owned by H 
B. Howland. E*q.. of Union Springs, Cayuga County, N. Y. 



QUALITIES OF THE NORMAN. ;U 

"The writei. in giving an account of the origin of the horse, which 
agings in tracing it to the Spanish horse (of Arabian ancestry), with the 
account which I have given above, which I procured from French sources, 
e.tys. 'The horses of Normandy are a capital race for hard work and scanty 
fare. I have never seen such horses at the collar, under the diligence, the 
post-carriage, the cumbrous and heavy voiture or cabriolet for one or two 
horses, or the farm-cart. They are enduring and energetic beyond descrip- 
tion; with their necks cut to the bone, they flinch not; they put forth all 
their efforts at the voice of the brutal driver, or at the dreaded sound of his 
never-ceasing whip ; they keep their condition when other horses would die 
of neglect and hard treatment. A better cross for some of our horses can 
not be imagined than those of Normandy, provided they have not the ordi 
nary failing, of too much length from the hock downwards, and a heavy 
head.' I think that all who have paid attention to this particular breed of 
Norman horses (the Percheron, which stands A No. 1), will bear me out in 
the assertion that the latter part of this quotation will not apply to them, 
and that, on the contrary, they are short from the hock downwards; that 
their heads are short, with the true Arabian face, and not thicker than 
they should be to correspond with the stoutness of their bodies. At all 
events you can witness that Diligence has not these failings, which, when 
absent, an Englishman (evidently, from his article a good horseman) thinks, 
constitutes the Norman horse the best imaginable horse for a cross upon 
the English horse of a certain description. Again he says, ' They are very 
gentle and docile ; a kicking or vicious horse is almost unknown there; anv 
person may pass in security at a fair at the heels of hundreds.'" 

My own impressions being fortified by such authority from such a source 
(where we look for little praise of anything French), and numerous others, 
verbal and written, I made up my mind to r eturn to France at an early 
day and select a stallion at least, as an experiment in crossing upon the 
light mares of New Jersey. My intention was unavoidably delayed until 
the year 1839, when I went seriously to work to purchase two stallions and 
two mares with the aid of a veterinary surgeon of Havre, Monsieur St. Marc, 
to whose knowledge of the various distinct breeds which exist in France, 
and his untiring zeal in aiding my enterprise, I take great pleasure in 
making acknowledgments. The animals in due time were procured, but 
the last which was brought for my decision, alrhough a fine stallion, showed 
such evident signs of a cross of the English blood (afterwards acknowledged 
oy the owner), that I rejected him, and the packet being about to sail, and 
preparations being made for the shipment, I was obliged to put the stal- 
lion and two mares on board, no time being left to look up another stal 
lion. Here another difficulty arose — I could find no competent groom io 
Havre to take charge of them on the voyage, and deliver them in New 
York. I was obliged to make an arrangement with one of the steerage 
passengers, a German, who had never been to sea before, to attend to them 
to the best of his ability. As you may suppose, I did not feel very well 
satisfied with this arrangement. I therefore wrote to M. Meurice of Paris, 
to take charge of my baggage which I had left at his hotel, and the next 
morning I was on my way to New York on the packet ship Iowa, Captain 
Peck, where I lived in the round-house on deck, with himself and officer:-. 
Tt was the Iowa's first voyage, and her cabin had not been finished, so great 
was the fear of the owners, at that time, that their " occupation was gone" 
of carrying cabin passengers, in consequence of the recent success of the 
English sea-steamers. We had three hundred steerage, and I was the onlv 
rani,;, passenger. The horses were also on deck. The first night, so greal 
was the change in the temperature, on the occurrence of a slight storm, 
that all the hordes took violent, colds, and. unfortunately, with the best os* 



32 THE PERCHERON. 

I could make of M. St. Marc's medicine-chest, and his very judicious direo 
tions for the treatment of the horses under this anticipated state of affairs, 
I could not prevent the death of the stallion from inflammation of the lungs, 
before reaching New York. The mares were landed safely, but too much 
stiffened by the voyage and their sickness, to make the journey at once across 
the Jerseys on foot. I procured a trusty man to accompany them, and sent 
them by railroad for Burlington. The next morning I had the mortifica- 
tion to see my man returned with the sad news that the finest mare bad 
broken through the bottom of the car, and fractured one of her hind legs 
Thus left with one horse out of four selected, the only alternative was to 
give up, or go back for more. I did not hesitate about the latter, and in 
three weeks I was steaming it on board the Great Western. My next pur 
chase was " Diligence," another stallion, and two mares. This time I was 
;n<>re fortunate, and procured an excellent groom to accompany them, who 
succeeded in getting them safely to New York and to Moorestown, carefully 
slimming the railroad. I have, since that time, lost one of the mares, and 
the other stallion went blind after making one season. Not wishing to run 
the risk of perpetuating a race of horses with weak eyes, I have not since 
permitted him to cover mares ; though I must say for him that his colts 
have all good eves, and stand high in public favor. 

Those who an- acquainted with the thorough-bred Canadian horse, will 
gee in him a perfect model, on a small scale, of the Percheron horse. This 
I-; the peculiar breed of Normandy which are used so extensively through- 
out the northern half of France for diligence and post-horses, and from the 
best French authorities I could command (1 cannot now quote the precise 
authorities), I learned that they were produced by the cro>s of the Andalu- 
sian horse upon the old heavy Norman horse, whose portrait may still be 
seen as a war-horse on the painted windows of the cathedral of Rouen, sev- 
eral centuries old. At the time of the occupation of the Netherlands by 
thd Spaniards, the Andalusian was the favorite stallion of the north of Eu 
rope, and thus a stamp of the true Barb was implanted, which remains to 
the present day. If you will allow me to digress a moment, I will gWe 
vui a short desci iption of the old Norman draught-horse on which the cross 
was made. They average full sixteen hands in height, with head short, 
thick, wide and hollow between the eyes ; jaws heavy; ears short and 
pointed well forwards; neck very short and thick; mane heavy; shoulder 
well inclined backwards ; back extremely short ; rump steep ; quarto 9 
very broad ; chest deep and wide; tendons large; muscles excessively de- 
veloped; legs very short, particularly from the knee and hock to the fet- 
lock, and thence to the coronet, which is covered with long hair, hiding half 
the hoof; much hair on the legs. 

The bone and muscle, and much of the form of the Percheron is derived 
from this horse, anil he gets his spirit and action from tht> Andalusian. Do- 
cility corner from both sides. On the expulsion of the Spaniards from the 
north, the supply of Andalusian stallions was cut off, and since that time 
in the Perche district in Normandy, their progeny has doubtless been bred 
in-and-in; hence tba remarkable uniformity of the breed, and the disposi- 
tion to impart their form to their progeny beyond any breed of domestic 
animals within my knowledge. Another circumstance which I think has 
tended to perpetuate the good qualities of these horses, is the fact of all 
their males being kept entire ; a gelding is, I believe, unknown among the 
rural horses of France. You may be startled at this notion of mine, but if 
you reflect a moment, you must perceive that in such a state of things (so 
contrary to our practice and that of the English) the farmer will always 
breed from the best horse, and he will have an opportunity of judging, ho- 
•nuse th<> borse lias been broken to harness and his qualities known before 



DILIGENCE. 33 

he could command business rs a stallion. Hence, too, their indifference to 
pedigree. 

It the success of Diligence as a stallion is any evidence of the value of 
the breed, I can state, that he has averaged eighty mares per season for the 
ten seasons he has made in this country, and as he is a very sure foal-getter, 
tie must have produced at least four hundred colts; and as I have never 
yet heard of a colt of his that would not readily bring one hundred dollars, 
iiul many of them much higher prices, you can judge of the benerit which 
aas accrued from his services. I have yet to learn that he has produced 
me worthless colt, nor have I heard of one that is spavined, curbeo ring- 
boned, or has any of those defects which render utterly useless so large a 
number of the fine-bred colts of the present day. The opinion of good 
judges here is, that we have never had, in this part of the country at 
least, so valuable a stock of horses for farming purposes ; and further, that 
no horse that ever stood in this section of the country has produced the 
same number of colts whose aggregate value has been equal to that of the 
colts of Diligence ; for the reason that, although there may have been indi- 
viduals among them which would command a much higher price than any 
of those of Diligence, vet the number of blemished and indifferent colts has 
been so great, as quite to turn the scale in his favor. 

In reply to your queries, I would say to the first, that Diligence has not 
been crossed at all with thorough-bred mares — such a thing is almost un- 
known here at the pi e.-ent day ; but those mares the nearest approaching 
to it have produced the cleanest, neatest, and handsomest colts, though 
hardly large enough to command the best prices. t Those I know of that 
cross are excellent performers. 

% The style of mares with which Diligence breeds best, appears to me to 
be the mare which you would choose to breed carriage-horses from, with 
a good length of neck, and tail coming out on a line with the back, to cor- 
rect the two prominent faults in form of the breed, the short neck and 
steep rump. 

3. What is the result of the cross with different styles (as regards size 
and shape) ? This may be answered in a general way by stating, the size 
will depend somewhat upon the size of the mare, with due allowance for 
casting after back stock, which will be weil understood by breeders. As 
regards shape, you may depend upon the predominance of the form of the 
horse in nine cases out of ten ; indeed, I have only seen one of his colts 
that I could not instantly recognize from the form. The reason will occur 
to you from what I have said of the extreme purity of the breed : such as 
they are they have been for centuries; and could you find another race 
of horses of entirely different form in the same category as regards theii 
pedigree, my belief is. that when you should see the first colt from them, 
you would see the model of all that were to follow. 

4. Can you breed carriage-horses sufficiently fashionable for the city mar- 
kets ? I do not hesitate to say that it cannot be done with the first cross. 
There is too much coarseness about them, which must be worn down by 
judicious crossing ; and I think a stallion got by Diligence upon a large- 
sized thorough-bred mare, would go very far towards producing the desire. 1 
rnsult. Should this fail, I feel very confident that another cross from these 
colts on the thnough-bred mare, will give you the Morgan-horse on a 
'ofger scale. T still hold to the opinion I expressed to you years ago, that 
Li e action of our common horses would be improved by this cross. His 
■ Its have higher action than their dams, and generally keep their feet bet- 
> r under them; in other words, they pick them up quicker, not suffering 
toem to rest so long upon the ground. 

3 b 



«M THE COLTS OF DILIGENCE. 

Your fifth and sixth questions will be answered by what T have furtbct 
to "ay in regard to the progeny of Diligence. 

I may safely say they are universally docile and kind, at the same time 
spirited and lively. They break-in without any difficulty. As regards 
their speed, I do not know jf any that can be called fast' horses, though 
many smart ones among ordinary road horses. Diligence, as I have said 
elsewhere, was chosen (for obvious reasons) as a full-sized specimen of the 
breed. As for speed in trotting, we cannot doubt its being in the breed, 
when we look at the instances among the thorough-bred Canadian ponies. 
Could I have made my selection from the stallions which I rode behind in 
the diligences, I could have satisfied the most fastidious on this point, but, 
unfortunately, these horses all belonged to the government, and are never 
sold until past service. My main object was to produce a valuable farm 
horse. The chance of fast colts is not very great ; because those persons 
having fast mares to breed from, naturally look for a fast stallion, and fail- 
ing to find him, take one of the best English blood they can find ; and 
should they occur, they will be mares, or, ten to one, horses, gelded before 
their good qualities are discovered. Perhaps some part of what I sav 
above will be more clear to you if I say, that I hold to the opinion that the 
Percheron blood still exists in Canada in all its purity. 

You will think, perhaps, that I have said quite enough about my humble 
hobby, and you will have found out too, that I have no idea, contrary to 
your good-natured warning, of making "swans of my geese." What I 
should like to see would be further importations of these horses, thereby 
muhiplying the chances/or a happy hit in crossing, and to draw public atten- 
tion to them, which would do more for them than writing till doomsday. 
So fir from considering these horses as capable by any crossing of producing 
the very best of horses for all purposes, that is to say, the best horse-of-aU- 
work I believe that if I had my time to live over again, had a very large 
anded estate, an unlimited supply of "the dust," I could produce that 
horse by breeding from the thorough-bred English racer. It would not 
be difficult now to select, to start from, stallions and mares possessing all 
the requisites of size, form, temper, &c. ; but each of these individuals is 
such a compound of all kinds of ancestors, good, bad, and indifferent, that 
you would be obliged from their progeny to select and reject so often, for 
faults of size and form, and for blemishes and vices, that vour allotted days 
would be near a close before you produced anything like" uniformity in the 
breed, btill, we see what has been done by Bakewell and others in breed- 
ing stock therefore I contend, a la Sam Patch, that what has been done 
may be done again. 

I therefore am decidedly of opinion, that we cannot do better, if we wish 
to produce in any reasonable time a most invaluable race of horses for the 
hum and the road, than to breed form the full-sized Norman or Percheron 
horse. 

Mr. Holland's horse (the portrait of which is given at the beginning of 
tins article) is of the true breed, having been raised by me from one of my 
imported mares, put to Diligence, and I consider him a remarkably fine 
h penmen of the breed. 

I remain, yours very sincerely, 

EDWARD HARRIS. 

Mr Youatt in speaking of the French horses, says : " The 
best French horses are bred in Limousin and Normandy. From 
the former district come excellent saddle-horses and hunters ; 
inr from the latter a stronger species <or the road, the cavalry, 



THK MOfU-JAN. .iZ 

t 

or tlit carnage. The Norman horses are now much crossed by 
our hunters, and occasionally by the thorough-bred ; and the Eng 
lish roadster and light draft horse has not suffered by a mixture 
with the Norman." In his remarks on the Coach Horse, Mr. 
Y. says: — "The Normandy carriers travel with a team of four 
horses, and from fourteen to twenty-two miles in a day, with a 
load of ninety hundred weight." 

THE MORGAN HORSE. 




N.OPfi- Se - 



GENERAL UIFFORB. 



Of this celebrated American variety or family of horses, the 
writer of this possesses little knowledge derived from personal 
experience. That they have obtained much celebrity as light 
buggy and saddle horses, — attracted much notice and admira- 
tion at the New York State Fairs from their remarkably spirited 
action and evident docility — sold for high prices not only ibr the 

* " General Gift'ord" was got by Gifford Morgan, he by Burbank, he by 
the original " Morgan Horse." The dam of General Gifford was got by 
Sherman Morgan. He is 15i hands high, of a dark chestnut color, exceed 
ingly compact ; remarkable for his muscular development, and is said by a 
correspondent in the Genessee Farmer, in " only decent working condition" 
to have weighed 1040 pounds. The same correspondent states on the nu- 
thoritv of Mr. Mason (who has owned the horse), that he has trotted a mile 
inside of three minutes. He is a horse of great action, and is considered a 
verv characteristic and favorable specimen of the breed in all particulars 
He is now owned bv Charles W Tngersoll Esq., of l>di. Seneca Co.. N. Y 



o.J ORIGIN OF THE MORGAN. 

% 

saddle and buggy, but as stallions to extend the breed, — is cei 
tain. They have many warm admirers, and find ready pur- 
chasers. Others, on the contrary, are disposed to concede to 
them no uncommon value as a family, as will be seen by some 
quotations which we shall presently make. 

The origin of the Morgans is thus stated in a letter to us from 
a highly intelligent and, as we believe, perfectly responsible 

source : — 

Burlington, March Sth, 1850. 

My dear Sir, — The conflicting reports concerning the origin of the 
■' Morgan" horse are so numerous, and come in "such questionable shapes," 
that no one can be satisfied beyond a doubt of the truth of any one story. 

The pedigree given by the descendants of Mr. Justin Morgan, is, in my 
estimation, the one entitled to the most credit. They have made oath to 
certain statements in regard to the pedigree of the " Morgan" horse. But 
these statements, so far as I can learn, depend upon the reminiscences of 
early childhood, and consequently are not entitled to implicit confidence. 
Adopting the pedigree, as given by a son of Mr. Justin Morgan, as th« 
most reliable pedigree, I will proceed. The original " Morgan " horse, the 
founder of the family of horses known by that name, was brought, at two 
years old. in 1795, from Springfield, Mass., to Randolph, Vt., by Justin 
Morgan, of the latter place. He was got by "True Hritton," he by More- 
ton's "Traveller" (imported), among whose ancestors are found "English 
Eclipse," " Childers," and the " Godolphin Arabian." "True Britton" (not 
the horse of same name mentioned in the Stud Book, and got by imported 
• Othello"), was stolen from Gen. Delancey, of New York, while with a 
band of refugee troops on Long Island. Gen. Delancey was the importer 
of I he* horses - Wild-air" and "Lath," both thorough-bred horses — the for- 
mer of such superiority that he was sent back to England, in 1772. 
-fudging from Gen. Delancey' s taste in horses, it is but right to infer 
i hat "True Britton" was thorough-bred. Thus much for the sire of the 
"Morgan" horse. Concerning his dam, Mr. F. A. Weir, of Walpole, N. 
H., writes as follows (Cultivator, January, 1840, p. 19.): "The dam is 
described by Mr. John Morgan, who knew her, as of the 'Wild-air' breed, 
of middling size, with a heavy chest, of a very light bay color, with a 
nushy mane and tail, the hair on the legs rather" long, and a smooth, hand- 
some traveller. She was got by ' Diamond,' a thick heavy horse, of about 
(he middling size, with a thick heavy mane and tail, hairy legs, and a smooth 
traveller." " Diamond," Mr. Weir further says, was got by " Wild-air." out 
of the "noted imported mare ' Wild-air.' " 1 can find no account of anv 
such importation, and deem it improbable that a mare and horse should 
have been imported about the same time, and allowed to retain one and 
(he ^iine name. However, I may be wrong, and Mr. Weir right. " Wild- 
air," sire of "Diamond," was got by imported " Wild-air." 

The reasonable conclusion from this statement is, that the dam of the 
old " Morgan" had some good blood in her veins, but was ,iot thorough- 
bred. This, it is believed, is as correct and reliable an account of the pedi- 
gree of the " Morgan" horse as can be obtained. From the appearance of 
chose horses now living, nearest related to the original " Morgan." it is evident 
that the old horse was possessed of no small share of pure blood. There 
can he no good reason to doubt the above pedigree, if we jud-e from the 
character of the immediate descendants of the old horse. 

I here were hut four colts of the original " Morgan" kept as stallions. 
r\nd concernmg the blood of rheir dams nothing is know". 



DESCRIPTIONS OF TI!K MORGAN. 'M 

I. "Revenge' was foaled in Claremont, N. H., out of a " middle-sized 
whne mare, of no particular blood. ' 

II. " ShermaL Morgan," raised in Lyndon, Vt., was from a " chestnut 
colored mare, of rather light bone, and said to be of English blood." 

III. " Bulrush," bred by Mr. Giftbrd, of Tunbridge, Vt., was out of , 
" thick, heavy, dark bay and rather lazy mare." 

IV. " Woodbury," or " Burbank," was also foaled in Tunbridge, Vt., and 
was out of a "bay marc, said to weigh about 1000 pounds, a smart, good 

hiver." 

" Burbank" was doubtless the best colt from the loins of the old horse, 
kept as a stallion. He was the sire of the " Gifford Morgan, now owned 
by F. A. Weir, of Walpole, N. H.," [and grandsire of " General Gifford," 
given in our cut. — Ed.] 

The Committee of the N. Y. State Agricultural Society, " on 
stock owned out of the State," at the State Fair at Auburn, in 
1846, thus spoke of the Morgans, and of the horse (General 
Clifford) represented in the cut, and of his sire Gilford Morgan : — 

" Gifford Morgan, a dark chestnut stallion, fourteen hands and three 
inchCf high, aged twenty years, was exhibited by F. A. Weir, of Walpole, 
N. H. It is claimed on the part of his owner, that this horse possesses the 
celebrated " Morgan" blood in greater purity than any other now living. 
" General Gitford," got by the above-named horse, was exhibited by Mr. C. 
Blodget, of Chelsea, Vt. In his size, figure, action, and color, he closely 
resembles his sire. Both are exceedingly compact horses, deep chested, 
strong-backed, with fore-legs set wide apart, and carrying their heads 
(which are small, with fine, well set eyes) high and gracefully, without a 
bearing-rein. Their action attracted the marked admiration of all. This 
breed are reputed to possess great bottom and hardiness, and everything 
about the two presented, goes to prove that their reputation, in this par- 
ticular, is well founded. For light carriage or buggy horses, it would be 
difficult to equal them, and if by crossing with prime large mares, of any 
breed, size could be obtained in the progeny, without losing the fire and 
action of the Morgan, the result of the cross would be a carriage of very 
superior quality. Your committee are not aware of the extent or result 
of such crosses, in the region where the Morgans originated. Unless expe- 
rience has already demonstrated their inutility, we could recommend to our 
horse-breeders, some well-considered experiments, limited at first, to te>t 
the feasibility of engrafting the Morgan characteristics on a larger horse." 

A distinguished judge of horses in Vermont, writes us : — 

" The original Morgan ought Dot to be pronounced a thorough -bred horse, 
not having been bred from a full blood mare. Yet it is evident that the 
rich, high blood from which he sprung, though slightly diluted, is the cause 
of the reputation to which his stock has attained. But when we trace down 
his stock, we find, in the very first generation, an admixture of cold, worth- 
less blood, to the full measure of one half. The result, usual in similar 
eases, is found here. Many of the colts related more or less nearly to the 
old horse, exhibit the characteristics of the " Morgan" forvi, but lack com 
pactness — not of general form, bat of muscle, and they lack bottom. The 
general characteristics of the Morgan family, are small size, weighing from 
seven hundred to one thousand pounds — a long but strong back — plump 



33 TT-JR CLEVELAND RaV. 

ness of general contour, like a Berkshire pig— short, strong, hairy legs— a 
brusque air — a bustling gait, with more pucker and gather than freedom 
and elasticity of step — long, coarse hair — heavy mane and tail — and a sur- 
prising predisposition to accumulate fat, instead of muscle — and a remark- 
ably docile and tractable temper. As a general thing, the " Morgans" have 
not length of stride enough to be good roadsters. They take too many 
steps in a mile. It is but very rarely one can be found that proves to be a 
good " all-day horse." It often occurs that one can be driven ten miles 
within the hour, and perhaps at the same rate for the second hour, without 
apparent distress or injury. But for a high rate of speed throughout the 
day, search must be made among other families than the " Morgan." There 
is a place for them, however. They are good for an hour's drive — for 
short stages. They are good to run around town with. They are good in 
the light pleasure-wagon— prompt, lively (not spirited) and " trappy." 
There is no question among those who have had fair opportunities of com- 
paring the " Morgans" with horses of purer blood, and descended from dif- 
ferent stocks, in regard to the relative position of the " Morgan." He is, af 
he exists at the present day, inferior in size, speed, and bottom, in fact, ir 
all those qualities necessary for the performance of " great deeds" on the 
road or the farm, to the descendants of Messenger, Duroc, imp. Magnui - 
Bonum, and of many other horses of deserved celebrity. The Gifford Mor- 
gan embodies the characteristics of the " Morgan" form, or did embody 
them, better, and in more prominent and pleasant relief than any other 
horse I am acquainted with, of this family." * * * 

The above is not, as already stated, the popular estimate of 
this family. Having stated both sides of the question, we leave 
it to the judgment of the public. 

THE CLEVELAND BAY. 

According to Mr. Youatt, the true Cleveland Bay is nearly ex- 
tinct in England. They were formerly employed as a heavy, 
slow coach-horse. Mr. Y. says : " The origin of the better kind 
of coach-horse is the Cleveland Bay, confined principally to 
Yorkshire and Durham, with, perhaps, Lincolnshire on one side, 
and Northumberland on the other, but difficult to meet with 
pure in either county. The Cleveland mare is crossed by a 
three-fourths, or thorough-bred horse of sufficient substance and 
height, and the produce is the coach-horse most in repute, with 
his arched crest and high action. From the thorough-bred of 
sufficient height, but not of so much substance, we obtain the 
four-in-hand, and superior curricle-horse. 

From less height and more substance we have the hunter and 
better sort of hackney ; and, from the half-bred, we derive the 
machineer, the poster, and the common carriage-horse : indeed, 
Cleveland, and the Vale of Pickering, in the East Riding of 
Yorkshire, may be considered as the most decided breeding coun- 
*ry in England for coach-horses, hunters, and hacduieys." 

Again, in his article on the Farmer's Horse, Mr. Y. says: "If 



THE DRAY HORSE. 39 

he (the farmer) has a superior mare, one of the old Cleveland 
breed, and puts her to a bony, three-fourths-bred horse, or, if he 
can rind one stout and compact enough, a seven-eighths, or a 
thorough- bred one. he will have a fair chance to rear a colt that 
will amply repay him as a hunter or carriage-horse." 

In his article on Heavy Draught Horses, Mr. Y. says : " The 
Cleveland horses have been known to carry more than seven 
hundred pounds sixty miles in twenty-four hours, and to perform 
this journey four times in a week." 

Cleveland Bays were imported into western New York, a few 
years since, where they have spread considerably. They have 
often been exhibited at our State Fairs. They are monstrously 
large, and, for their size, are symmetrical horses, and possess very 
respectable action. Whether they would endure on the road, at 
any but a moderate pace, we are not informed, and have some 
doubts. Whether they spring from the genuine and unmixed 
Cleveland stock, now so scarce in England, we have no means of 
knowing. The half-bloods, the produce of a cross with our com- 
mou mares, are liked by many of our farmers. They are said to 
make strong, serviceable farm beasts — though rather prone to 
sullenness of temper. 

THE DRAY HORSE. 

Ut' the Heavy Black Dray Horses, but few have been imported 
into this country, and they do not seem likely to become favorites 
here. Mr. Youatt says of them : 

" The Heavy Black Horse is the last variety it may be necessary 
to notice. It is bred chiefly in the midland counties from Lin- 
colnshire to Staffordshire . Many are bought up by the Surrey 
and Berkshire farmers at two years old, — and being worked mod- 
erately until they are four, earning their keep all the while, they 
are then sent to the London market, and sold at a profit of ten or 
twelve per cent. 

It would not answer the breeder's purpose to keep them until 
they are fit for town-work. He has plenty of fillies and mares 
on his farm for every purpose that he can require ; he therefore 
sells them to a person nearer the metropolis, by whom they are 
gradually trained and prepared. The traveller has probably 
wondered to see four of these enormous animals in a line before 
a plough, on no very heavy soil, and where two lighter horses 
would have been quite sufficient. The farmer is training them 
for their future destiny ; and he does right in not requiring the 
exertion of all their strength, for their bones are not yet perfectly 
formed, nor their joints knit ; and were he to urge them too se- 
verely, he would probably injure and deform them. By the greiv 



40 TILE AMERICAN TROTTIMMTOKSE. 

tie and constant exercise of the plough, he is preparing them for 
that continued and equable pull at the collar, which is after- 
wards so necessary. These horses are adapted more for parade 
and show, and to gratify the ambition which one brewer has to 
outvie his neighbor, than for any peculiar utility. They are cer- 
tainly noble-looking animals, with their round fat carcases, and 
their sleek coats, and the evident pride which they take in them- 
selves ; but they eat a great deal of hay and corn, and at hard 
and long-continued work they would be completely beaten by a 
team of active muscular horses an inch and a half lower. 

The only plea which can be urged in their favor, beside their 
fine appearance, is, that as shaft-horses over the badly-paved 
streets of the metropolis, and with the immense loads they often, 
have behind them, great bulk and weight are necessary to stand 
the unavoidable shaking and battering. Weight must be opposed 
to weight, or the horse would sometimes be quite tin own off his 
iegs. A large heavy horse must be in the shafts, and then little 
ones before him would not look well. 

Certainly no one has walked the streets of London without 
pitying the poor thill-horse, jolted from side to side, and exposed 
to many a bruise, unless, with admirable cleverness, he accom- 
modates himself to every motion ; but, at the same time, it must 
be evident, that bulk and fat do not always constitute strength, 
and that a compact muscular horse, approaching to sixteen hands 
high, would acquit himself far better in such a situation. The 
dray-horse, in the mere act of ascending from the wharf, may 
display a powerful effort, but he afterwards makes little exertion, 
much of his force being expended in transporting his own over- 
grown mass." 

THE AMERICAN TROTTING-HORSE. 

Before leaving the consideration of our present topic-^-the con- 
sideration of the principal breeds and varieties of horses now in 
the United States — we cannot refrain from calling attention to 
our trotting-horses, though in reality they do not, at least as a 
whole, constitute a breed, or even a distinct variety or family. 
There is a family of superior trotters, including several the best 
our country has ever produced, the descendants of Abdallah aud 
Messenger, and running back through their sire Mambrino, to the 
thorough-bred horse, old Messenger. But many of our best trot- 
ters, including the extraordinary animal of which we have given 
i cut, have no known pedigrees, and some of them, withoul 
doubt, are entirely destitute of the blood of the race-horse. Lady 
Suffolk is by Engineer, but the blood of Engineer is unknowr: 
\she is a gray mare, fifteen hands and two inches high). Dutch 



SUPERIORITY OF AMERICAN TROTTERS. 



41 




LADY SUFFOLK. 



man has no known pedigree. Other celebrated trotters stand in 
the same category, — though we are inclined to think that a de- 
cided majority of the best, especially at long distances, have a 
greater or less infusion of the blood of the race-horse. 

The United States has undoubtedly produced more superior 
trotters than any other country in the world, and in no other 
country has the speed of the best American trotters been equalled. 
The New York " Spirit of the Times" — the best authority in oui 
country on this and all kindred topics — thus compares the Eng- 
lish and American trotters : — 

• Nimrod, in admitting the superiority of our trotting- horses to the 
' English,' claims that the English ' approach very near to the Americans, 
even in this breed of cattle. Possibly the characteristic national vanity 
would not allow him to make a further concession. But there is no com 
nariaon whatever between the trotting-horses of the two countries. Mr 
Wheelan, who took Rattler to England last season, and doubly distanced 
with ease every horse that ventured to start against him, as the record shows, 
informs us that there are twenty or more roadsters in common use in this 
city, that could compete successfully with the fastest trotters on the Eng 
lish turf. They neither understand the art of training, driving, or riding, 
there. For example : some few years since, Alexander was purchased by 
Messrs. C. and B. of this city, for a friend or acquaintance, in England 
Alexander was a well-known roadster here, and was purchased to order at 
a low rate. The horse was sent out and trials made of him ; but so un«uc 



42 CAUSES OF THE SUPERIORITY OF AMERICAN TROTTERS. 

cessful were they, that the English importers considered him an imposition. 
Thus the matter stood for a year or more. When Wheelan arrived in Eng 
laud, he recognized the horse, and learned the particulars of his purchase 
and subsequent trials there. By his advice the horse was nominated in a 
stake at Manchester (we believe) with four or five of the best trotters in 
England, he (Wheelan) engaging to train and ride him. When the horses 
came upon the ground, the odds were 4 and. 5 to 1 against Alexander, who 
won by nearly a quarter of a mile ! Wheelan says he took the track at 
starting, and widened the gap at his ease — that near the finish, being sur- 
prised that no horse was anywhere near him, as his own had not yet made 
a stroke, he got frightened, thinking some one might outbrush him — that he 
put Alexander up to his work, and finally won by an immense way, no 
horse, literally, getting to the head of the quarter stretch, as he came out 
at the winning stand ! The importers of Alexander, at any rate, were so 
surprised and delighted at his performance, that they presented Wheelan 
with a magnificent gold timing-watch, and other valuable presents, and sent 
Messrs. C. and B. a superb service of plate, which may be seen at any 
time at their establishment in Maiden Lane." 

From whence does this superiority of the American trotters 
spring ? Is it from blood ? This would seem to he disproved 
from the facts already shown. The American trotter belongs 
to no particular breed or blood. Many of our celebrated trotters 
have partaken more or less deeply of the blood of the English 
race-horse. The Abdallah and Messenger family are consider- 
ably more than half-bloods — the dams of these horses being 
also of Messenger blood. Unless it is shown that the unknown 
or common blood which they possess, has been the source of 
their superiority as trotters, then it is certain that England 
possesses as good materials as ourselves, so far as blood is con- 
cerned, for breeding trotters. The former has never, so far as 
we are aware, been claimed, and there is not a reasonable doubt 
that England does possess all the requisite materials to equal us. 
The diilerence has been occasioned by management, training, 
and attention to this definite object. On this subject, we quote 
the following just and highly spirited remarks from a disser- 
tation on American Trotting Horses* by that talented but ill- 
rewarded veteran agricultural writer, Hon. J. S. Skinner : — 

" According to the theory here maintained, the great number of trotters 
in America that can go, as before said, their mile under three minutes, and 
there are many who do it under 1m. 40s., and even in some cases under 
1m. 30s., — as for instance in the case of Ripton and Confidence, whose per- 
formances have given so much gratification to sportsmen, is to be explained 
in the same way that we account for the great number of superb hunters 
that are admitted to abound in England above all countries, not excepting 
our own. There, in every county in the Kingdom, there are organized 
" Hunts,' 1 with their whippers-in, and huntsmen, and earth-stoppers, and 



* See prefatory chapter to the American edition of Youatt on tha 
Horso. Lea <fe Blanchard: Philadelphia. 1849. 



ENGLISH HUNTERS AND AMERICAN TROTTERS. 43 

costly appointments of every kind to accommodate some fifty or an hun- 
dred couple of high-bred hounds, whose pedigrees are as well preserved as 
those of Priam or Longwaist ; and a wide district of country is reserved 
and assigned exclusively to each hunt. Fox-hunting is there termed par 
excellence, a princely amusement, and gentlemen of the most exalted rank 
and largest fortune, take pride in the office of "Master of the hounds" and 
assuredly in all the wide field of manly exercises, none can compare with 
an English fox or steeple-chase, for union of athletic vigor and daring skill, 
and magnificence of equitation ; unless perhaps it were some splendid 
charge de cavalrie, like those we used to read of, made by the gallant 
MciiAT at a critical moment of the battle, when he was wont, in his gor- 
geous uniform and towering plumes, to fall with his cavalry like an ava- 
lanche upon his adversary, confounding and crushing him at a blow ! 
Truly, it would well be worth a trip across the Atlantic, to see a single 
" turn out" of an English hunt, all in their fair tops, buckskin smalls, and 
scarlet coats, mounted on hunters that under TattersalPs hammer would 
command from one to two hundred guineas ! Imagine such a field with 
thirty couple of staunch hounds, heads up and sterns down, all in full crv, 
and well away with their fox ! ! 

Now, my brave youths, 



Flourish the whip, nor spare the galling spur ; 
But in the madness of delight, forget 
Your fears. Far o'er the rocky hills we range, 
And dangerous our course ; but in the brave 
True courage never fails." 

To indicate more strongly the prevalence of this partiality for trotting- 
horses, and emulation to own the fastest goer, and the number and extent 
of associations and arrangements for this sort of trial and amusement, it 
need only be mentioned that the " Spirit of the Times," published in New 
York, contains lists of matches and purses, and of thousands on thousands 
of dollars in small purses, won and lost on these performances on trotting 
courses! These performances show that the excel 'ence which is conceded 
to American trotters, is not founded on a solitary achievement or very rare 
cases, nor to be ascribed to the possession of any distinct and peculiar breed 
of horses ; but is the natural and common fruit of that union of blood and 
bone, which forms proverbially the desideratum in a good hunter, with the 
superaddition of skilful training, much practice, and artful jockeying, for 
the trotting course. Who can doubt that if Hiram Woodruff were to go to 
England, having the run of their hunting-stables, he might select nags 
enough which could soon be made, under his training and consummate 
jockeyship, to go along with Edwin Forrest and Lady Suffolk, Ripton, 
Rattier, Confidence, and the Dutchman ?" 



CHAPTER II. 



THE ZOOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION OF THE I'.ORSE. 

[Before commencing the perusal of the following chapters, the reader, and 
particularly the young reader, is earnestly requested to turn back and read 
the Introduction. It is believed that he will there find some highly useful 
and important hints in regard to the manner of acquiring a full knowledge 
of the contents of the work, — much of which, comparatively speaking, will 
be but imperfectly understood by him, without attention to the rules ther<» 
laid down. — Am. Ed.\* 

Iii his zoological classification, the Horse ranks under the divi- 
sion vertebrata : — the class mammalia — the tribe -ungulata — the 
order pachydermata — and the family solipeda. 

The solipeda consist of several sjjecies, as the horse, the ass, the 
mule, and the quagga. 

First stands the Equus Caballus, or Common Horse. 

The horse has six incisors or cutting teeth in the front of each 
jaw ; and one canine tooth or tusk. 

On each side, above and below — at some distance from the 
incisors, and behind the canines, and with some intervening 
space — are six molar teeth, or grinders ; and these molar teeth 
have flat crowns, with ridges of enamel, and that enamel pene- 
trating into the substance of the tooth. 

The whole is thus represented by natural historians : — 

Horse. — Incisors — , canines , molar . Total, forH 

■eeth. 6 1 ~ l 6 — 6 

* The work should be read through in course, ealier being frequently 
necessary to explain later portions of it: and he who would derive the full 
o I vantage of it, should never pass over a word without understanding its 
(signification. Many of the scientific terms admit of no substitutes — at least 
without much and frequently recurring circumlocution — and their definitions 
will usually be found in Webster's dictionary. These should be committed 
to memory ; and especially the names of the different parts and tissuea. 
Much less trouble of this kind is necessaiy, than would be supposed, to £. 
full understanding of the work. 



SKELETON OF THE HORSE. 



45 



Skeleton of the Horse. 
Fiar. 1. 




A 


The 


a 


The 


b 


The 


c 


The 


d 


The 


€ 


The 


£ 


The 


b 


The 


c 


The 


D 


The 


E 


The 


F 


The 


G 


The 


H 


The 


1 


The 


J 


The 


K 


The 


L 


The 


M 


The 



W The 



Head. 

posterior maxillary or under jaw. 

superior maxillary or upper jaw. A little lower down than the letter 
is a foramen, through which pass the nerves and blood vessels which 
chiefly supply the lower part of the face, 
orbit, or cavity containing the eye. 
nasal bones, or bones of the nose. 

suture dividing the parietal bones below from the occipital bones above. 
Ulterior maxillary bone, containing the upper incisor teeth. 
Seven Cervical Vertebrae, or bones of the neck. 
Eighteen Dorsal Vertebrae, or bones of the back. 
Six Lumbar Vertebrae, or bones of the loins. 
Five Sacral Vertebras, or bones of the haunch. 
Caudal Vertebrae, or bones of the tail, generally about fifteen. 
Scapula, or shoulder-blade. 
Sternum, or fore-part of the chest. 

Costae, or ribs, seven or eight articulating with the sternum , and called 
the true ribs, and ten or eleven united together by cartilage, called the 
false ribs. 

Humerus, or upper bone of the arm. 
Radius, or upper bone of the arm. 

Ulna, or elbow. The point of the elbow is called the Olecranon. 
Carpus, or knee, consisting of seven bones. 
Metacarpal bones. The larger metacarpal or cannon or shank in 
front, and the smaller metacarpal or splint bone behind. 



46 THE SENSORIAL FUNCTION. 

g The fore pastern and foot, consisting of the Os Sutf'raginis, or the upper an* 
larger pastern bone, with the sesamoid bones behind, articulating with 
the cannon and greater pastern ; the Os Coronae, or lesser pastern ; the 
Os Pedis, or coffin bone ; and the Os Naviculare, or navicular, or shuttle- 
bone, not seen, and articulating with the smaller pastern and cotlin 
bones. 

h Tlv. corres ponding bones of the hind-feet. 

O The Haunch, consisting of three portions, the Ilium, the Ischium, and the 
Pubis. 

P The Femur, or thigh. 

Q. The stifle joint with the Patella. 

R The Tibia, or proper leg bone — behind is a small bone called the fibula. 

S The Tarsus, or hock, composed of six bones. The prominent part is the Os 
Calcis, or point of the hock. 

T The Metatarsals of the hind leg. 



THE SENSORIAL FUNCTION 

An accurate knowledge of what constitutes the just structure 
of the horse — the form and connection of parts on which strength, 
or fleetness, or stoutness, must necessarily depend, is claimed by 
nearly all who have had anything to do with this noble animal ; 
but in reality it is possessed by very few. 

In speaking of the structure of this animal, and the points 
which guide the opinion of real judges of him, we shall, as briefly 
and as simply as we are able, explain those fundamental princi- 
ples on which his usefulness and beauty must depend. We re- 
quire one kind of horse for slow and heavy draught, and another 
for lighter and quicker work ; one as a pleasant and safe roadster 
— another, with more speed and equal continuance, as a hunter — 
and another still is wanted for the race-course. What is the pe- 
culiarity of structure — what are the particular points that will 
fit each for his proper business, and, to a certain degree, unfit him 
for everything else ? The farmer will require a horse of att-ivork, 
that can carry him to market and take him round his farm — on 
which he can occasionally ride for pleasure, and which he must 
sometimes degrade to the dung-cart or the harrow. What com- 
bination of powers will enable the animal to discharge most of 
these duties well, and all of them to a certain extent profitably? 

Much time spent among horses, an acquired love of them, and 
a little, sometimes possibly too dearly-bought experience, may 
give the agriculturist some insight into these matters. And we 
shall try to render him some useful assistance in this affair — to 
teach him why certain points must be good or bad — and to induce 
him to discard many common but dangerous errors and prejudices. 
It is only by being well acquainted with the structure and anatomy 
of the horse, that we can appreciate his shape and uses, or under- 
stand the different diseases to which he is liable. 

The nervous system will first pass in review, for it is the mov 
ing power of the whole machine. It consists of the brain, to 



TILL HLAL>. 



4 7 



which all sensation is referred or carried, and from which all 
voluntary motion is derived — the spinal cord, a prolongation of 
the brain, and thus connected with sensation and voluntary mo- 
tion, governing all the involuntary motions of the frame, and by 
power from which the heart beats, and the lungs heave, and the 
stomach digests ; and one other system of nerves — the ganglionic 
— presiding over the functions of secretion and of nutrition, and 
the repair and the welfare of the frame generally. 

The Head. — The following ?ut represents the head of the 
horse divided into the numerous bones of which it is composed, 
and the boundaries of each bone clearly marked by the sutures 
which connect it with those around. It is composed of nine 
bones. 



a a The frontal bones, or bones of the forehead. 

b b The supra-orbital foramina or holes above the 
omit, through which the nerves and blood- 
vessels supplying the forehead pass out. The 
small hole beneath receives the vessels which 
dip into and supply the bone. 

c c The parietal bones, or walls of the skull. 

d d The temporal bones, or bones of the temples. 

e e The zygomatic, or yoke-shaped arch. 

ff The temporal fossa, or pit above the eye. 

% g The occipital bone, or bone of the hinder part 
of the iiead. 

h h The orbits containing and defending the eye. 

i i The lachrymal bones belonging to the convey- 
ance of the tears from the eyes. 

j j The nasal bones, or bones of the nose. 

k k The malar, or cheek-bones. 

/ / The superior maxillary, or that portion of the 
upper jaw containing the molar teeth or 
grinders. 

m rn The infra-orbital foramen — a hole below the or- 
bit, through which pass branches of nerves 
and blood-vessels to supply the lower part of 
the face. 

n n The inferior maxillary, the lower part of the 
upper jaw-bone — a separate bone in quadru- 
peds, containing the incisor or cutting teeth, 
and the upper tushes at the point of union 
between the superior and inferior maxillaries. 
o The upper incisor or cutting teeth. 
p The openings into the nose, with the bones 
forming the palate. 

The ethmoid and sphenoid bones will be better seen ii the cul 
Fig. 3. . 

There is an evident intention in this division of the head into 
so many bones. When the foetus — the unborn foal — first begins 
to have life, that which afterwards becomes bone, is a mere jellv- 
like substance. This is gradually changed into a harder material 
— cartilage ; and, before the birth of the animal, much of the 
cartilage is taken away by vessels called absorbents, and bone 




48 THE HEAD. 

deposited in its stead. In fiat bones, like those of* the head, this 
deposit tak3S place in the centre, and rays or radiations of bony 
extend thence in every direction. Then, by having so many 
bones, there are so many centres of radiation ; and, consequently, 
the formation of bone is carried on so much the more rapidly, and 
perfected at the time when the necessities of the animal require 
it. At the period of birth, however, this process is not completed, 
out the edges of the bones remain somewhat soft and pliant, and 
therefore, in parturition, they yield a little and overlap each other, 
and thus, by rendering the birth more easy, they save the mother 
much pain, and contribute to the safety of the foal. 

The frontal bones are united by a curious and intricate dove- 
tailing to defend from injury the brain which lies beneath the 
upper part of them. Lower down, and where the cavity of the 
nose is only to be defended, their union is sufficient, but far less 
complicated. Here we have a proof of wise design. 

Few things more clearly indicate the breed or blood of the 
horse than the form of the frontal bones. Who has not remarked 
the broaa angular forehead of the blood horse, giving him a 
beautiful expression of intelligence and fire, and the face gradu- 
ally tapering from the forehead to the muzzle, contrasted with 
the large face of the cart or dray-horse, and the forehead scarcely 
wider than the face ? 

At/", between the frontal bones, is the pit or cavity above the 
eye, and by the depth of which we form some idea of the age of 
the horse. There is placed at the back of the eye, a consider- 
able quantity of fatty substance, on which it may revolve easily 
and without friction. In aged horses, and in diseases attended 
with general loss of condition, much of this disappears ; the eye 
Decumes sunken, and the pit above it deepens. 

The sinuses on the different sides of the forehead do not commu- 
nicate with each other, but with other sinuses in the ethmoid, 
and sphenoid, and upper jaw-bones, and also with the cavities of 
the nose on their respective sides. These sinuses afford a some- 
what increased protection to the brain beneath ; and by the con- 
tinuous and slightly projecting line which they form, they give 
beauty to the forehead ; but their principal use probably is, like 
the windings of the French horn, to increase the clearness and 
loudness of the neighing. It will be remarked that they are very 
irregular in depth, which at one place is an inch or more. 

In the sheep, and occasionally in the ox — rarely in the horse — 
the larvaB of maggots, produced by certain species of flies, i rawl 
up the nose, lodge themselves in these sinuses, and produce intol- 
erable pain. 

Veterinary surgeon? have availed themselves of thpse sinuses 
to detect the existence of glanders in doubtful cases. If the 



THE HEAD. 



49 



horse is glandered, there will probably be a consideraole ulcer* 
tion in the upper part of the cavity of the nose, and a collection 
of matter there. This is ascertained by making an opening into 
the sinuses, which may be done with perfect safety. [See 
Glanders.] 



Section of the Head. 
Fig. 3. 




a The nasal bone, or bone of the nose. 

b The frontal bone. The cavities or cells beneath are called the frontal sinuses. 

c The crest or ndge of the parietal bones. 

d The tentorium or bony separation between the cerebrum and cerebellum. 

e The occipital bone. 

f The .ligament of the neck, or pack-wax, by which the head is ch'efly supported 

f I a as » s» stat nine or carrying : the first bone of the neck. 

»t The dentata, tooth-like, or second bone of the neck. 

t The cuneiform, or wedge-shaped process, or base of the occipital bone Be- 
tween it and the other portion of the occipital bone, e, lies the ereat 
foramen or aperture through which the prolongation of the brain— 
the spinal marrow — issues from the skull. 

k The sphenoid, tvedge-like, bone, with its cavities. 

/ The ethmoid, sieve-like, bone, with its cells. 

m The cerebrum, or brain, with the appearance of its cortical and medullary 
substance. •' 

n The cerebellum, or little brain, with its beautiful arborescent appearance. 

o A portion of the central medullary, marrow-like, substance of the brain and 
the prolongation of it under the name of the crus cerebri, le<* of the 
brain, and from which many of the nerves take their origin ° 

p The medulla oblongata— the prolongation of the brain after the medullary 
substance of the cerebrum and cerebellum have united, and forming 
the commencement of the sDinal marrow. The columnar appearance 



60 THE HEAD. 

of this portion of the brain is represented, and the origins of the rcepi 

ratory nerves. 
q The spinal marrow extending through a canal in the centre of the bones of the 

neck, back, and loins, to the extremities of the tail, and from which the 

nerves of feeling and of motion, that supply every part of the frame 

except the head, arise. 
r The septum narium, or cartilaginous division between the nostrils. 
s The same cut off at the lower part, to show the spongy turbinated, turban 

shaped, bones, filling the cavity of the nostril. 
t The palate. 

11 The molar-teeth, or grinders. 

v The inferior maxillary bone, containing the incisor teeth, or nippers. The 

canine tooth, or tush, is concealed by the tongue. 
w The posterior maxillary, or lower jaw with its incisors. 
x The lips. 
y The tongue. 
z A portion of the os hyoides, or bone of the tongue, like a Greek u, v. 

1 The thyroid, helmet-shaped, cartilage, enclosing and shielding the neighboring 

parts. 

2 The epiglottis, or covering of the glottis, or aperture of the wind-pipe. 

3 The artyenoid, funnel-shaped, cartilages, having between them the aperture 

leading into the trachea or wind-pipe. 

4 One of the chordae vocales, cords or ligaments concerned in the formation of 

the. voice. 

5 The sacculus laryngis, sac or ventricle of the larynx, ( throat, to modulate the 

voice. 

6 The trachea, or wind-pipe, with its diffei'ent rings. 

7 The soft palate at the back of the mouth, so constru led as almost to prevent 

the possibility of vomiting. 

8 The opening from the back part of the mouth into the nostril. 

9 The cartilage covering the entrance into the eustachia tube, or communication 

between the mouth and internal part of the ear. 
iO The oesophagus, or gullet. 
\l The cricoid, ring-like, cartilage, below and behind th thyroid 

12 Muscle of the neck, covered by the membrane of the back part of the mouth 

As the frontal sinuses are lined by a continuation of the mem- 
brane of the nose, they will sympathize with many of the affec- 
tions of that cavity ; but the membrane of the sinuses is 
susceptible of an inflammation peculiar to itself. The disease is 
rare, and the cause of it has not been fully ascertained. It is 
oftenest metastasis of inflammation of the brain, — shifting of in- 
flammation from the brain to the membrane of the sinus, or 
communication of inflammation from tkc brain by proximity of 
situation. 

Inflammation of the Membrane of the Frontal Sinuses. 
— The attack is usually sudden — the horse is dull, lethargic, and 
almost as comatose as in stomach-staggers. The first thing that 
excites suspicion of the actual character of the disease, is heat in 
the situation of the frontal sinus, when the hand is placed on the 
forehead. The lethargy soon passes over, and a state of the high- 
est excitation succeeds. The conjunctiva and the membrane of 
the nose are injected — the pulse is quick and hard — the horse 
Becomes violent and dangerous ; he kicks, plunges, and, half con- 
scious and half unconscious, he endeavors to do all the mischief 
that he can. The disease is now evidently sombined with, or is 



THE HEAD. 51 

essentially, inflammation of the brain. It is distinguished from 
madness by this half-consciousness, and also by his being more 
disposed to bite than he is in pure phrenitis. 

The disease is usually fatal. It rarely lasts more than eight- 
and-forty hours. 

The post-mortem appearances are, great inflammation uf the 
brain, with frequent effusions of blood. The sinuses are some- 
times filled with coagulated blood. The brain seems to be 
affected just in proportion to the violence which the animal ha?- 
exhibited. 

The treatment should consist of copious bleeding, application 
of ice to the head, blistering the head, and physic. The trephine 
is scarcely admissible, from the danger of producing greater 
irritation. 

Sometimes the disease assumes a more chronic form. There 
is ulceration of the membrane, but not cerebral affection. A pur- 
ulent discharge then appears from the nose, evidently not of a 
glanderous character, and none of the submaxillary glands are 
eidarged. In both the acute and chronic form, it is usually con- 
fined to one sinus. 

The inner plate of the frontal bone covers a considerable por- 
tion of the anterior part of the brain, and it is studded with de- 
pressions corresponding with irregularities on the surface of the 
brain. 

Immediately above the frontal, and extending from the frontal 
to the poll, are the parietal bones. They are two, united together 
by a suture when the animal is young, but that suture soon 
becoming obliterated. They are of a closer and harder texture 
than the frontals, because they are more exposed to injury, and 
more concerned in defending the brain. 

A very small portion only of the parietah is naked, and that 
is composed of bone even harder than the other part, and with 
an additional layer of bone rising in the form of a crest or ridge 
externally. Every other part of these bones is covered by a 
thick mass of muscle, the temporal muscle, which is principally 
concerned in chewing the food, but which, likewise, by its yield- 
ing resistance, speedily and effectually breaks the force of the 
most violent blow. 

On the side of the head, and under the parietals (d d, 
Fig. 3), are the temporal bones, one on each side, ff. These 
again are divided into two parts, or consist of two distinct bones ; 
the petrous portion, so called from its great or stony hardness, 
and containing the wonderful mechanism of the ear, and the 
squamous portion, from the appearance of its union with the 
parietal, overlapping it like a great scale. 

From the latter there projects a portion of bone, e, which 



62 THE HEAD. 

unites with the frontal, and forms a strong arch — the zygomatic — 
distinctly to be felt at the side of the head, immediately above 
the eye. This arch is designed to protect the upper part of the 
lower jaw, the motion of which may very plainly be seen be- 
neath it when the horse is feeding. 

At the base of the arch is an important cavity not visible in 
the cut, receiving into it, and forming a joint with, the head of 
the lower jaw — it will be presently described. 

Having reached the base of the temporal bone, it is found 
united to the parietal, not by a simple suture, as the lower part 
of the frontals, or the bones of the nose (see fig. a andy, Fig. 2), 
nor by a dove-tailed suture, as the upper part of the frontals (see 
the same cut), but it is spread over the parietal in the form of a 
large scale, and hence, as before observed, called the squamous 
portion of the temporal bone. In fact, there are two plates of 
bone instead of one. Was there design in this ? Yes, evidently so. 
In the first place, to increase the strength of the base of the zygo- 
matic arch. This extensive union between the temporal and parie- 
tal bones, resembles the buttress or mass of masonry attached to 
the base of every arch, in order to counteract its lateral pressure. 
The concussion, likewise, which might be communicated by a 
blow on the top of the arch, is thus spread over a large surface, 
and consequently weakened and rendered comparatively harmless ; 
• and that surface is composed of the union of two bones of dissimi- 
lar construction. The hard stony structure of the parietal is 
very different from the tougher material of the temporal ; and 
thus, as a finger acts on a sounding-glass, the vibration commu- 
nicated to the temporal is at once stopped, and the brain receives 
no injury. 

There is another proof of admirable design. Where is this 
i quamous portion of the temporal bone situated ? On the side 
of the head. And what is the figure of the cranium or skull, 
and principally that part of it which contains the cerebrum or 
brain ? It is an elliptical or oval arch (see fig. m, n, o, Fig. 3). 
If pressure is made on the crown of that arch — if a blow is re- 
ceived on the suture between the parietals sufficient to cause 
the elastic materials of which the skull is composed to yield — 
the seat of danger and injury is at the side. If a man receives 
a violent blow on the crown or back part of the head, the frac- 
ture, if there is any, is generally about the temple, and the ex- 
travasation of blood is oftenest found there. The following figure 
will explain this : — 

Let the line ABC represent an elliptical arch, composed of 
elastic materials. Some force shall be applied at B, sufficient 
to cause it to yield. We cannot compress it into smaller compass ; 
but just in proportion as it yields at B : will it spur or bulge out at 




THE HEAD. 53 

D, and give way sometimes as represented at E. In a dome the 
weight of the materials constantly acting may be considered as 
■p- . representing the force applied at 

B ; and so great is the lateral 
pressure, or tendency to bulge 
out {vide D and E), that it is 
necessary either to dove-tail the 
materials into one another, or to 
pass strong iron chains round 
them. For want of sufficient 
attention to this, " the dome of 
St. Sophia in Constantinople, 
C built in the time of the emperor 

Justinian, fell three times during its erection ; and the dome of the 
cathedral of Florence stood unfinished an hundred and twenty 
years, for want of an architect." 

Nature, in the construction of the horse's head, has taken 
away the pressure, or removed the probability of injury, by giv- 
ing an additional layer of bone, or a mass of muscle, where 
alone there was danger, and has dove-tailed all the materials. 
Farther than this, in order to make assurance doubly sure, she 
has placed this effectual girder at the base, in the overlapping 
of the squamous portion of the temporal bone. 

Above the parietals, and separated from them by a suture 
(fig. g, Fig. 2, and fig. e, Fig. 3), is the occipital bone. Supe- 
riorly it covers and protects the smaller portion of the brain, the 
cerebellum ; and as it there constitutes the summit or crest of 
the head, and is particularly exposed to danger, and not pro- 
tected by muscles, it is interesting to see what thickness it 
assumes. The head of the horse does not, like that of the hu- 
man being, ride upright on the neck, with all its weight sup- 
ported by the spinal column ; but it hangs in a slanting position 
from the extremity of the neck, and the neck itself projects a 
considerable distance from the chest, and thus the whole weight 
of the head and neck is suspended from the chest, and require 
very great power in order to support them. 
How is this weight to be supported ? 

From the back of the occipital bone (fig. f, Fig. 3), and im- 
mediately below the crest, proceeds a round cord of considerable 
bulk, and composed of a ligamentous substance, which reaches 
down and is securely attached to the spines of the vertebrae, or 
bones of the back ; and by this ligament — the ligamentum 
colli, ligament of the neck — the head is supported. 

There are, however, some admirable contrivances connected 
with this ligament. As it proceeds from the head, it is in the 
form of a round cord. It passes over the atlas, or first bone of 



54 



THE HEAD. 



the neck, Jvithout touching it, and then, attaching itself strongly 
to the second bone, principally supports the head by its union 
with this bone. The mechanical disadvantage is increased ; but 
the head is turned more freely on the first and second bones 
The principal stress is on the dentata or second bone, so much 
so, that in poll-evil, this ligament may be divided without seri- 
ous inconvenience to the horse. It then suddenly sinks deeper, 
and communicates with all the other vertebrae. Each of these 
communications becomes a separate point of support, and as they 
approach nearer to the base, the mechanical disadvantage, or 
the force with which the weight of the head and neck presses 
and acts, is materially lessened. 

The head, then, while the animal is in a state of rest, is sup- 
ported by this ligament, without any aid from muscular energy. 
It differs from the other ligaments of the body, in the fact 
that it is elastic. It stretches full two inches longer when the 
horse is browsing, and resumes its natural dimensions when the 
head is held erect. 

The ligament of the neck is inserted into the centre of the 
back part of the occipital bone, and immediately below the 
vertex or crest of that bone ; and therefore the bone is so thick 
at this part (see fig. e, Fig 3). 

Many large and powerful muscles are necessary to turn the 
head in various directions, as well as to assist in raising it when 
depressed. The occipital bone, as will be seen in the cut, pre- 
sents a spine running down the centre, B, and a large roughened 
surface for the attachment of these muscles, C C . 

Lower down, and still at the 
back of the occipital bone, are 
two rounded protuberances D D. 
by which the head is connected 
with the atlas, or upper or first 
vertebra, or bone of the neck ; 
and these are called the condy- 
loid, cup-shaped, processes of the 
occipital bone. All the motions 
of the head are partly, and many 
of them wholly, performed by 
this joint. 

Between them is a large hole, 
the foramen magmim, or great 
aperture, E, through which the continuation of the brain, termed 
the spinal cord or marrow, passes out of the skull. 

As an additional contrivance to support the enormous weight 
of the head, are two other projections of the occipital bone, pe- 
culiar to animals whose heads are set on in a slanting direction, 




THE HEAD. 55 

and into which powerful muscles are inserted. They are called 
the coracoid, beak-like, processes or prolongations, F F, of the 
occipital bone. 

[\ mining forward, and forming outwardly a part of the base, 
and inwardly a portion of the floor of the skull, is what, from 
its wedge-like shape, is called the cuneiform process of the 
occipital bone (fig. i, Fig. 3). It is thick, strong, and solid, and 
placed at the bottom of the skull, not only to be a proper foun- 
dation for, and to give additional strength to, the arch on either 
side, but speedily to stop all vibration and concussion. 

At the base of the skull, and anterior to or below the oc- 
cipital, lies the sphenoid, wedge-like bone (fig. k, Fig. 3). Its 
body, likewise called the cuneiform or wedge-shaped process, is 
a continuation of the same process of the occipital, and, like it, 
is thick and solid, and for the same important purpose. This 
bone branches out into four irregular bodies or plates, two of 
which are called the wings, and two running to the palate, the 
legs. They could not be represented in the cut, and there it- 
nothing important belonging to them, so far as this work is con- 
cerned. Internally (fig. k), the sphenoid forms a portion of the 
cavity of the skull. 

Of the ethmoid, sieve-like, bone, little can be seen outwardly. 
A small portion is found in the back part of the orbit, and in 
the cavity of the cranium ; but the most important part of it is 
that which is composed of a great number of thin plates, form- 
ing numerous cavities or cells (fig. I, Fig. 3), lined with the 
membrane of the nose, and entering into its cavity. The upper 
portion is called the cribriform or sieve-shaped plate, from its 
being perforated by a multitude of little holes, through which 
the nerve connected with smelling passes and spreads over the 
nose. 

Altogether these bones form a cavity of an irregular oval 
shape, but the tentorium penetrating into it, gives it the appear- 
ance of being divided into two (d, Fig. 3). 

The cavity of the skull may be said to be arched all round. 
The builder knows the strength which is connected with the 
form of an arch. If properly constructed, it is equal to a solid 
mass of masonry. The arch of a horse's skull has not much 
weight to support, but it is exposed to many injuries from the 
brutality of those by whom he should be protected, and from ac- 
cidental causes. 

On raising any part of the skull of the horse, the dense and 
strong membrane which is at once the lining of the cranium and 
the covering of the brain — the dura mater — presents itself. It 
is united to the membranes below by numerous little cords or 
prolongations of its substance, conveying blood and oommuni- 



56 THE BRAIN. 1 

eating strength to the parts beneath. Between this membrane 
common to the cranium and the brain, and the proper investing 
tunic of that organ, is found that delicate gossamer's web, appro- 
priately called the arachnoid — the spider's membrane — and 
which is seen in other animals, designed either to secrete the 
fluid which is interposed, for the purpose of obviating injurious 
concussion, or perhaps, to prevent the brain from readily sym- 
pathizing" with any inflammatory action produced by injury of 
the skull. 

Beneath is the proper investing membrane of the brain — the 
pia mater — which not only covers the external surface of the 
brain, but penetrates into every depression, lines every ventricle, 
and clothes every irregularity and part and portion of the brain. 

The Brain. — We now arrive at the brain itself. The brain 
of the horse corresponds with the cavity in which it is placed 
{m, Fig. 3). It is a flattened oval. It is divided into two parts, 
one much larger than the other — the cerebrum or brain, and 
the cerebellum or little brain (n, Fig. 3). The brain of a horse 
is only about half the size and weight of that of a man. 

When the brain is cut, it is found to be composed of two sub- 
stances very unlike in appearance (m, Fig. 3) ; one, principally on 
the outside ; gray, or ash-colored, and therefore called the cortical 
{bark-like) from its situation, and cineritious {ashen) from its 
color ; and the other, lying deeper in the brain, and from its 
pulpy nature called the medullary substance. Although placed 
in apposition with each other, and seemingly mingling, they 
never run into the same mass, or change by degrees into one 
another, but are essentially distinct in construction as well as in 
function. 

The medullary portion is connected with the nervous system. 
The nerves are prolongations of it, and are concerned in the dis- 
charge of all the offices of life. They give motion and energy 
to the limbs, the heart, the lungs, the stomach, and every part 
connected with life. They are the medium through which sen- 
sation is conveyed ; and they supply the mind with materials to 
think and work upon. 

The cineritious, part has a different appearance, and is differ- 
ently constituted. Some have supposed, and with much appear- 
ance of truth, that it is the residence of the mind — receiving the 
impressions that are conveyed to the brain by the sensitive 
nerves, and directing the operation and action of those which 
give motion to the limbs. 

From the medullary substance — as already stated — proceed 
certain cords or prolongations, termed nerves, by which the ani- 
mal is enabled to receive impressions from surrounding objects. 
a.nd to connect himself with them ; and also to possess many 



THE BRAIN. 



57 



pleasurable or painful sensations. One of them is spread over 
the membrane of the nose, and gives the sense of smell ; another 
expands on the back of the eye, and the faculty of sight is gained ; 
and a third goes to the internal structure of the ear, and the ani- 
mal is conscious of sound. Other nerves, proceeding to different 
parts, give the faculty of motion, while an equally important one 
bestows the power of feeling. 

One division of nerves (h, Fig. 3), springing from a prolonga- 
tion of the brain, and yet within the skull, wanders to different 
parts of the frame, for important purposes connected with respira- 
tion or breathing. The act of breathing is essential to life, and 
were it to cease, the animal would die. These are nerves of in- 
voluntary motion ; so that, whether he is awake or asleep, con- 
scious of it or not, the lungs heave and life is supported. Lastly, 
from the spinal cord q — a farther prolongation of the brain, and 
running through a cavity in the bones of the neck, back, and 
loins, and extending to the very tip of the tail — other nerves are 
given off at certain intervals. The cut below delineates a pair 
of them. The spinal cord a, is combined of six distinct columns 




or rods, running through its whole length — three on either side 
The two upper columns — the portion of spinal marrow represent 
ed in our cut, is supposed to be placed with its inner or lower 
surface towards us — proceed from those tracks of the brain devoted 
to sensation. Numerous distinct fibres spring abruptly from the 
column, and which collect together, and, passing through a little 
ganglion or enlargement, d — an enlargement of a nervous cord is 
called a ganglion — become a nerve of sensation. From the 
lower or inner side, — a prolongation of the track devoted to 
motion, — proceed other fibres, which also collect gradually to- 
gether, and form a nervous cord, c, giving the power of motion. 
Beyond the ganglion the two unite, and form a perfect spina] 

c 



58 THE EAR. 

nerve, b, possessing the power both of sensation and motion ; 
and the fibres of the two columns proceed to their destination, 
enveloped in the same sheath, and apparently one nerve. Our 
cut, closely examined, will give at b some idea of the man- 
ner in which these distinct fibres are continued ; — each covered 
by its own membrane, but all enveloped in a common en- 
velope. 

All these nerves are organs of sensation and motion alone ; 
but there are others whose origin seems to be outside of and 
below the brain. These are the symjjathetic, so called from 
their union and sympathy with all the others, and identified 
with life itself. They proceed from a small ganglion or enlarge- 
ment in the upper part of the neck, or from a collection of little 
ganglia in the abdomen. They go to the heart, and it beats, 
and to the stomach, and it digests. They form a net-work round 
each blood-vessel, and the current flows on. They surround the 
very minutest vessels, and the frame is nourished and built up. 
They are destitute of sensation, and they are perfectly beyond 
the control of the will. 

The reader, we trust, will now comprehend this wonderful, 
yet simple machinery, and be able, by and by, to refer to it thi 
explanation of several diseases, and particularly of the operation 
to which we have referred. 

Two of the senses have their residence in the cavity of the 
cranium — those of hearing and sight. 

The Ear. — They who know anything of the horse, pay much 
attention to the size, setting on, and motion of the ear. Ears 
rather small than large — placed not too far apart — erect and 
quick in motion, indicate both breeding and spirit ; and if a horse 
is frequently in the habit of carrying one ear forward, and the 
other backward, and especially if he does so on a journey, he 
will generally possess both spirit and continuance. 

The ear of the horse is more intelligible even than the eye, in 
indicating his temper and intentions. His hearing is remarkably 
acute. The cartilage of the ear is attached to the head by liga- 
ments and sustained by muscles, on which its action depends 
The ear is covered by skin thinner than in most other parts of 
the body, and is destitute of other tissues unnecessarily increasing 
its bulk and weight. Under the skin are glands that secrete and 
throw out a white greasy matter, destined to keep the parts sup- 
ple and smooth. Below this are other glands which deposit the 
wax, which is supposed to be necessary to deter insects from 
crawling into the ear, by its offensiveness to them, or by mechan- 
ically arresting their progress. Long hair standing across the 
inner passage of the ear in every direction, keeps out insects, 
cold, and properly breaks sounds striking on the membrane cover 



THE EYE. 51 



shoots out with the velocity of lightning-, and guided by the lids 
projects over the eye, and clears it of offending matter When 
the muscle which draws in the eye ceases to act, the eye resumes 
its natural situation in the orbit. There is room for the fattv 
matter to return to its place, and it immediately returns bv the 
elasticity of the membrane by which it is covered, and draws 
alter it this cartilage with which it is connected, and whose return 
is as rapid as was the projection. 

The old farriers strangely misunderstood the nature and desi<m 
oi the haw, and many at the present day do not seem to be much 
better informed. When, from sympathy with other parts of the 
eye laboring under inflammation, and becoming itself inflamed 
and increased m bulk, and the neighboring parts likewise thick- 
ened it is either forced out of its place, or voluntarily protruded 
to defend the eye from the action of light and cannot return they 
mistake it lor some injurious excrescence or tumor, and proceed 
to cut it out. The « haw in the eye" is a disease well known to 
the majority of grooms, and this sad remedy for it is deemed the 
only cure It is a barbarous practice, and if they were compelled 
to walk half a dozen miles in a thick dust, without beina per- 
rmtted to wipe or to cleanse the eye, they would feel the torture 
to which they doom this noble animal. A little patience havin* 
been exercised, and a few cooling applications made to the eye 
while the inflammation lasted, and afterwards some mild astrin- 
gent ones, and other proper means being employed, the tumor 
would have disappeared, the haw would have returned to its 
place, and the ammal would have discharged the duties required 
oi him without inconvenience to himself, instead of the ao-ony to 
which an unguarded and unprotected eye must now expos°e him 
I he loss oi blood occasioned by the excision of the haw may 
frequently relieve the inflammation of the eye ; and the evident 
amendment which follows induces these wise men to believe that 
they have performed an excellent operation; but the same loss 
oi blood by scarification of the overloaded vessels of the con 
|unct,va would be equally beneficial, and the animal would not 
be deprived of an instrument of admirable use to him 

The eye is of a globular figure, yet not a perfect globe It is 
rather composed of parts of two globes ; the half of one of them 
smaller and transparent in front, and of the other larger and the 
coat of it opaque behind. We shall most conveniently begin 
with the coats of the eye. y 8 

The conjunctiva ,/(Fig. 7), is that membrane which lines the 
-ids, and covers the fore-part of the eye. It spreads over all that we 
can see or feel of the eye, and even the transparent part It is 
itself transparent, and transmits the color of the parts beneath' 
It is very susceptible of inn animation. 



fa 



-U <sre_ 



62 



THE EYE. 



Fig. 7. 




A. B a supposed object viewed by the animal, and an inverted image of which, a 

b, is thrown on the retina at the back of the eye. 
c c The points where the rays, having passed the cornea and lens, converge by 
the refractive power of the lens. 

The rays proceeding from the extremities of the object to the eye. 

The cornea, or horny and transparent part of the eye, covered by the con- 
junctiva, uniting different parts together. 

The crystalline (crystal or glassy) lens, behind the pupil, and in front of the 
vitreous humor. 

Muscles of the eye. 

The optic nerve, or nerve of sight. 

The sclerotica (hard firm coat) covering the whole of the eye except the por- 
tion occupied by the cornea, and being a seeming prolongation of the 
covering of the optic nerve. 

The choroides (receptacle or covering), or choroid coat, covered with a black 
secretion or paint. 

m m The iris or rainbow-colored circular membrane under the cornea, in front 
of the eye, and on which the color of the eye depends. The duplica- 
ture behind is the uvea, from being colored like a grape. The opening 
in the centre is the pupil. 

The ciliary (hair-like) processes. 

The retina, or net-like expansion of the optic nerve, spread over the whole 
of the choroides as far as the lens. 

The vitreous (glass-like) humor filling the whole of the cavity of the eye 
behind the lens. 

The aqueous (water-like) humor filling the space between the cornea and 
the lens. 



d e 
f 

e 

kh 

i 
k 

I 



n n 
o 



V 



Covering the back part of the eye, and indeed four fifths of 
the globe of it, is the sclerotica, k. 

The cornea is, or we would wish it to be, the only visible 
part of the horse's eye. It fills up the vacuity which is left by 
the sclerotica in the fore-part of the eye, and, although closely 
united to the sclerotica, may be separated from it, and will drop 
out like a watch-glass. Its convexity or projection is a point, of 
considerable importance, as we shall hereafter have occasion to see 

It should be perfectly transparent. Any cloudiness or opacity 
is the consequence of disease. There is nothing that deserves) 
attention from the purchaser of a horse more than its perfect 
transparency over the whole of its surface. The eye should be 
examined for this purpose, both in front, and with the face m 



THE EYE. 63 

the examiner close to the cheek of the horse, under and behind 
the eye. The latter method of looking through the cornea is 
the most satisfactory, so far as the transparency of that part of 
the eye is concerned. During this examination the horse should 
not be in the open air, but in the stable standing in the door- 
way and a little within the door. If any small, faint, whitish 
lines appear to cross the cornea, or spread over any part of it, 
they are assuredly the remains of previous inflammation ; or, 
although the centre and bulk of the cornea should be perfectly 
clear, yet if around the edge of it, where it unites with the 
sclerotica, there should be a narrow ring or circle of haziness, 
the conclusion is equally true, that the inflammation occurred at 
a more distant period. Whether however the inflammation has 
lately existed, or several weeks or months have elapsed since it 
was subdued, it is too likely to recur. 

There is one caution to be added. The cornea in its natural 
state is not only a beautiful transparent structure, but it reflects, 
even in proportion to its transparency, many of the rays which 
fall upon it ; and if there is a white object immediately before 
the eye, as a light waistcoat, or much display of a white neck- 
cloth, the reflection may puzzle an experienced observer, and has 
misled many a careless one. The coat should be buttoned up, 
and the white cravat carefully concealed. 

Within the sclerotica, and connected with it by innumerable 
minute fibres and vessels, is the choroid coat, I. It is a very 
delicate membrane, and extends over the whole of the internal 
part of the eye, from the optic nerve to the cornea. It secretes 
a dark-colored substance or paint, by which it is covered ; the 
intention of which, like the inside of our telescopes and micro- 
scopes, is probably to absorb any wandering rays of light which 
might dazzle and confuse the vision. The different manner in 
which this colored matter is distributed in the horse's eye from 
that of the human being, and its different color, render the sight 
of the former less strong during the day, but much more acute 
in the night. 

Perfectly white and cream-colored horses have a peculiar ap- 
pearance of the eyes. The pupil is red instead of black. It is 
the choroid coat itself which we see in them , and the red ap- 
pearance is caused by the numerous blood-vessels which are 
.bund on every part of that coat. 

Tracing the choroides towards the fore-part of the eye, we 
perceive that it is reflected from the side to the edge of the lens, 
n, and has the appearance of several plaits or folds. They are 
actually foldings of the membrane. They prevent the passage 
of any rays of light on the outside of the lens, and which, pro- 
ceeding forward in various directions, and uneondensed by the 



64 THE EYE. 

power of the lens, would render vision confused or imperfect 
These folds of the choroides are called the ciliary processes. 

Within the cornea, and occupying the fore-part of the eye, is 
the aqueous humor, p, so termed from its resemblance to pure 
water. It is that by which the cornea is preserved in its protu- 
berant and rounded form. It extends to the crystalline lens q, 
and therefore a portion of it, although a very small one, is be- 
hind the iris (m, Fig. 7). Floating in this fluid is a membrane, 
with an oblong aperture, called the Iris. It is that which gives 
color to the eye. The color varies little in the horse, except 
that it always bears some analogy to that of the skin. We 
rarely see it lighter than a hazel, or darker than a brown. 
Horses perfectly white, or cream-colored, have the iris white 
and the pupil red. When horses of other colors, and that are 
usually pied, have a white iris and a black pupil, they are said 
to be ivall-eyed. Vulgar opinion has decided that a wall-eyed 
horse is never subject to blindness, but this is altogether erroneous. 

The aperture in the iris is termed the pupil, and through it 
light passes to the inner chamber of the eye. The pupil is ob- 
long, and variable in size. It differs with the intensity or de- 
gree of light that falls upon the eye. 

This alteration of form in the pupil is effected by the muscu- 
lar fibres that enter into the composition of the iris. When 
these fibres are relaxed, the pupil must proportionably diminish. 

This dilatation or contraction of the pupil gives a useful method 
of ascertaining the existence of blindness in one eye or in both. 
The cornea and crystalline lens remain perfectly transparent, but 
the retina is palsied, and is not affected by light ; and many 
persons have been deceived when blindness of this description 
lias been confined to one eye. A horse blind in both eyes will 
usually have his ears in constant and rapid motion, directing 
them in quick succession to every quarter. He will likeAvise 
hang back in his halter in a peculiar way, and will lift his feet 
high as if he were stepping over some obstacle, when there is 
actually nothing to obstruct his passage, and there will be an 
evident uncertainty in the putting down of his feet. In blind- 
ness of one eye, little or nothing of this characteristic gait and 
manner can be perceived. Although a one-eyed horse may not 
be absolutely condemned for the common business of the car- 
riage or the road, he is generally deteriorated as a hunter, for he 
cannot measure his distance, and will run into his leaps. 

Let the size of both pupils be carefully noticed before the 
horse is removed from the stable, and, as he is led to the door, 
observe whether they both contract, and equally so, with the 
increase of light. If the horse should be first seen in the open 
air, let it be observed whether the pupils are precisely of the same 



THE EYE. 65 

size ; then let the hand be placed over each eye alternately and 
held there for a little while, and let it be observed whether the 
pupil dilates with the abstraction of light, and equally in each 
eye. 

In our cut, m gives a duplicature of the iris, or the back sur- 
face of it. This is called the uvea, and it is covered with a 
thick coa+ of black mucus, to arrest the rays of light, and to 
prevent them from entering the eye in any other way than 
through the pupil. The color of the iris is, in some unknown 
way, connected with this black paint behind. Wall-eyed horses, 
whose iris is white, have no uvea. 

We now arrive at a body on which all the important uses of 
the eye mainly depend, the crystalline lens, g, so called from its 
resemblance to a piece of crystal, or transparent glass. It is of 
a yielding jelly-like consistence, thicker and firmer towards the 
centre, and convex on each side, but more convex on the inner 
than the outer side. It is enclosed in a delicate transparent bag 
or capsule, and is placed between the aqueous and the vitreous 
humors, and received into a hollow in the vitreous humor, 
with which it exactly corresponds. It has, from its density and 
its double convexity, the chief concern in converging the rays of 
light which pass into the pupil. 

The lens ife very apt to be affected from long or violent inflam- 
mation of the conjunctiva, and either its capsule becomes cloudy, 
and imperfectly transmits the light, or the substance of the lens 
becomes opaque. The examination of the horse, with a view 
to detect this, must either be in the shade, or at a stable door, 
where the light shall fall on the animal from above and in front ; 
and in conducting this examination, we would once more cau- 
tion the intended purchaser against a superfluity of white about 
his neck. Holding the head of the animal a little up, and the 
light coming in the direction that has been described, the con- 
dition of the lens will at once be evident. The confirmed cata- 
ract, or the opaque lens of long standing, will exhibit a pearly 
appearance, that cannot be mistaken, and will frequently be 
attended with a change of form — a portion of the lens being 
forced forwards into the pupil. Although the disease may not 
have proceeded so far as this, yet if there is the slightest cloudi- 
ness of the lens, either generally, or in the form of a minute 
spot in the centre, and with or without lines radiating from that 
spot, the horse is to be condemned ; for, in ninety-nine cases out 
of a hundred, the disease will proceed, and cataract, or complete 
opacity of the lens, and absolute blindness, will be the result. 

Behind the lens, and occupying four fifths of the cavity of the 
eye, is the vitreous humor (glassy, or resembling glass). It 
seems, when first taken from the eye, to be of the consistence of 



66 THE EYE. 

a jelly, and of beautiful transparency; but if it is punctured a 
fluid escapes from it as limpid and as thin as water, and when 
this has been suffered completely to ooze out, a mass of membra- 
neous bags or cells remains. 

Last of all, between the vitreous humor and the choroid coat, 
is the retina, o, or net-like membrane. It is an expansion of the 
substance, g, of the optic nerve. 

On this expansion of nervous pulp, the rays of light from sur- 
rounding objects, condensed by the lens and the humors, fall, and, 
producing a certain image corresponding with these objects, the 
animal is conscious of their existence and presence. 

It may, however, so happen that from the too great or too little 
convexity of the eye or a portion of it, the place of most distinct 
rision may not be immediately on the retina, but a little before 
or behind it. In proportion as this is the case, the sight will be 
indistinct and imperfect ; nor shall we be able to offer any remedy 
for this defect of sight. It is this chat occasions shying in the horse, 
and as he grows older and the eye becomes less convex, the habit of 
shying will increase. 

Nature has given seven muscles to the horse to enable him to 
turn his eye, so that he can command the whole of that extended 
field of view which the position of the organ enables it to take 
in. And that they may act with sufficient power and quickness, 
no fewer than six nerves are directed to the muscles of the eye 
generally, or to particular ones — while the eye rests on a mass of 
fat, that it may be turned with little exertion of power, and 
without friction. 

Muscles of the Eye 

There are four 
straight muscles, three 
of which, d, e, and f, 
are represented in our 
cut, rising from the 
back of the orbit, and 
\l inserted into the ball 
of the eye, opposite to, 
and at equal distances 
from, each other. One. 
d, runs to the upper 
part of the eye, just 
behind the transparent and visible portion of it, and its office is 
clearly to raise the eye. When it contracts, the eye must be 
drawn upwards. Another, /, is inserted exactly opposite, at the 
bottom of the eye ; and its office is as clearly to depress the eye. 




THE EYE. 07 

oi enable the animal to look downwards. A third, e, is inserted 
at the outer corner, and by means of it the eye is turned outwaid, 
and, from the situation of the eye of the horse, considerably back- 
ward ; and the fourth is inserted at the inner corner, turning the 
eye inward. They can thus rotate or turn the eye in any direc- 
tion the animal wishes, and by the action of one, or the combined 
power of any two of them, the eye can be immediately and ac- 
curately directed to every point. 

These muscles also assist to support the eye in its place. They 
are aided in this, especially when the head is depressed, by the 
retractor (drawer back) muscle, g, which has already been al- 
luded to. The power of tins muscle is very great, and it renders 
some operations on the eye almost impossible. It is an admirable 
substitute for hands to defend the eye from many things that 
would injure it. Being partially separated into four divisions, it 
assists the straight muscles in turning the eye. 

The muscles we have described, perform another important 
office. By drawing back the eye, and slightly flattening it, they 
bring the lens nearer the retina, and adapt the eye to the obser 
vation of more distant objects. There are two other muscles, 
used solely in turning the eye, called oblique muscles, because 
their course is obliquely across the eye. The upper one, a, b, is 
most curiously constructed. It comes from the back part of the 
orbit, and takes a direction upwards and towards the inner side, 
and there, just under the ridge of the orbit, it passes through a 
perfect mechanical pulley, and, turning round, proceeds across the 
eye, and is inserted rather beyond the middle of the ey£, towards 
the outer side. Thus the globe of the eye is evidently directed 
inward and upward. Something more, however, is accomplished 
by this singular mechanism. When it is necessary to bring the 
eye forward in its socket, to enlarge the field of vision, the object 
is readily effected by this singular pulley, b, c. By the power of 
this muscle — the trochlearis, or pulley-muscle — and the straight 
muscles at the same time not opposing it, or only regulating the 
direction of the eye, it is really brought somewhat forward. The 
lower oblique muscle rises just within the lachrymal bone (i, Fig. 
2), and, proceeding across the eye, is fixed into the part of the 
sclerotica opposite to the other oblique muscle, and it turns the 
eye in a contrary direction, assisting, however, the upper oblique 
In bringing the eye forward from its socket. 



CHAPTER III. 



INJURIES AND DISEASES OF THE SKULL THE BRAIN THE 

EARS AND THE EYES. 

We have now arrived at a convenient resting-place in our 
somewhat dry but necessary description of the structure of the 
horse, and we willingly turn to more practical matter. We will 
consider the injuries and diseases of the parts we have surveyed. 



FRACTURE. 

The skull of the horse is so strongly and admirably con- 
structed, that a fracture of it is almost impossible. A blow of 
sufficient violence to break these bones, must likewise irrepara- 
bly injure the brain, and remedies are out of the question. 

The upper part of the orbit of the eye is sometimes fractured 
by falling, or by violent blows. The slightest examination will 
detect the loosened pieces ; but a professional man alone can 
render effectual assistance. 



EXOSTOSIS. 

Bony enlargements of the orbital arch sometimes arise from 
natural predisposition or local injury. They should be attacked 
in the earliest stage, for they are too apt rapidly to increase. 
Some preparation of iodine, as described in the account of medi- 
cines, will be useful in this case. 



CARIES. 

Inflammation and enlargement of the injured bones, followed 
by abscess and the production of certain bony growths, are of 
occasional occurrence. A skilful practitioner can alone decide 
whether a cure should be attempted, or the sufferings of the ani- 
mal terminated by death 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN. 6J 



COMPRESSION OF THE BRAIN. 

Cysts containing a serous or viscid fluid, are occasionally found 
within the cranial cavity, and lying upon or imbedded in the 
brain. The following is a history of a case of this kind : — A 
horse exhibited symptoms of vertigo, or staggers, which disap- 
peared after copious bleeding and purgatives. About twelve 
months afterwards the same complaint was evident. He carried 
his head low and inclined to the right side. He staggered as he 
walked, and the motion of his limbs was marked by a peculiar 
convulsive action, confined to the four extremities. He moved 
by a succession of spasmodic boundings. He was completely 
deaf; and rapidly lost flesh, though he ate and drank voraciously. 
He remained in this state, to the shame of the owner and the 
practitioner, several months, and then he had a fresh attack of 
vertigo, and died suddenly. On examination of the brain, its 
membranes were found to be completely reddened ; and, between 
the two lobes of the brain, was a round cyst as large as a pullet's 
egg. The pressure of this was the manifest cause of the mis- 
chief. 

PRESSURE ON THE BRAIN. 

This may be produced by some fluid thrown out between the 
membranes, or occupying and distending the ventricles of the 
brain. In the full-grown horse it rarely occurs ; but it is well 
known to breeders as an occasional disease of .the foal, under the 
name of "water in the head." The head is either much en- 
larged, or stangely deformed, or both ; and the animal dies, either 
in the birth, or a few days after it. 

MEGRIMS. 

This is another kind of pressure on the brain, resulting from 
an unusual determination or flow of blood to it. From various 
causes, of which the most common is violent exercise on a hot 
day, and the horse being fat and full of blood, more than the 
usual quantity is sent to the head ; or, from some negligence 
about the harness — as the collar being too small, or the curb- 
rein too tight — the blood is prevented from returning from the 
head. The larger vessels of the brain will then be too long and 
injuriously distended ; and, what is of more consequence, the 
small vessels that permeate the substance of the brain will be 
enlarged, and the bulk of the brain increased, so that it will 
press upon the origins of the nerves, and produce, almost without 
warning, loss of power and consciousness 



70 MEGRIMS— APOPLEXY. 

The mildest affection of this kind is known as Megrims 
When the horse is driven rather quickly, he will, without any 
premonitory symptoms, suddenly stop, shake his head, and exhibit 
evident giddiness and half-unconsciousness. This will soon pa«s 
over, and he will go on as if nothing had happened. 

When the attack is more serious, he will fall without the 
slightest warning, or suddenly run round once or twice and then 
fall. He will lie insensible, or struggle with the utmost vio- 
lence. In five or ten minutes he will begin gradually to come 
to himself; he will get up and proceed on his journey, yet some- 
what dull, and evidently affected and exhausted by what had 
happened, although not seriously or permanently ill. 

At the moment of attack, three or four quarts of blood should 
be taken from the neck- vein, or the bars of the palate should bo 
cut, in the manner hereafter described. The driver should treat 
him soothingly, loosen the curb-rein, ease the collar if practicable 
and drive slowly the rest of his journey. When he gets home, a 
dose of physic should be administered if the horse can be spared, 
the quantity of dry food lessened, and mashes given or green food, 
or he should have a run at grass. A predisposition to a second 
attack almost always remains, and it is a long time before the 
blood-vessels recover their former tone. Experience has shown 
that a horse that has had a second attack of the megrims is 
never to be trusted.^ 

APOPLEXY. 

Megrims is Apoplexy under its mildest form. In the latter 
affection, the determination of blood, if not so sudden, is greater, 
or differently directed, or more lasting. It is seldom, however, 
that there are not timely warnings of its approach, if the carter 
or the groom had wit enough to observe them. The horse is a 
iittle off his feed — he is more than usually dull — there is a 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Mr. Spooner speaks of a species of the disease 
the symptoms of which border on epilepsy, and appear to arise from dis- 
ordered functions of the brain. He says : — 

We have known some horses more liable to this disease in very cold 
frosty weather; in such instances the symptoms have been those of giddi- 
ness, without the severity of ordinary megrims ; the animal has reeled, 
however, like a drunken man, and been extremely dangerous both to ride 
and drive. We have known an old horse thus continue almost useless 
throughout the winter, and gradually shake off the disease as warm weather 
came on. Now, it must be evident that the exciting causes ' such instances 
must be altogether different from that of ordinary megrims ; and, whilst 
the bleeding and purging are very proper, as recommended in the text 
for ordinary megrims, arising from plethora, it is not to be advised for that 
variety of disease to which we have called attention, and which is rather 
to H benefited bv warmth, good grooming, and tonic medicina 



APOPLEXY 7 1 

degree of stupidity about him, and, generally, a somewhat stag- 
gering gait. This goes off when he has been out a little while, 
but it soon returns under a more decided character, until, a1 
length, it forces itself on the attention of the most careless. 

The actual illness is perhaps first recognized by the horse 
standing with his head depressed. It bears upon, or is forced 
against the manger or the wall, and a considerable part of the 
weight of the animal is evidently supported by this pressure of 
the head. As he thus stands, he is balancing himself from one 
side to the other as if he were ready to fall ; and it is often dan- 
gerous to stand near to him, or to move him, for he falls without 
warning. If he can get his muzzle into a corner, he will some- 
times continue there motionless for a considerable time, and then 
drop as if he were shot ; but, the next moment, he is up again, 
with his feet almost in the rack. He sleeps or seems to do so as 
he stands, or at least he is nearly or quite unconscious of sur- 
rounding objects. When he is roused, he looks vacantly around 
him. Perhaps he will take a lock of hay if it is offered to him , 
but ere it is half masticated, the eye closes, and he sleeps again 
with the food in his mouth. Soon afterwards he is, perhaps, 
roused once more. The eye opens, but it has an unmeaning 
glare. The hand is moved before him, but the eye closes not , 
he is spoken to, but he hears not. The last act of voluntary mo- 
tion which he will attempt is usually to drink ; but he has little 
power over the muscles of deglutition (swallowing), and the fluid 
returns through the nostrils. 

He now begins to foam at the mouth. His breathing is labo- 
rious and loud. It is performed by the influence of the organic 
nerves, and those of animal life no longer lend their aid. The 
pulse is slow and oppressed — the jugular vein is distended almost 
to bursting — the muzzle is cold, and the discharge of the faeces 
involuntary. He grinds his teeth — twitchings steal over his 
face and attack his limbs — they sometimes proceed to convul- 
sions, and dreadful ones, too, in which the horse beats himself 
about in a terrible manner ; but there is rarely disposition to do 
mischief. In the greater number of cases these convulsions last 
not long. All the powers of life are oppressed, and death speed 
tly closes the scene. 

Post-mortem examination usually shows the whole venous sys- 
tem in a state of congestion, and the vessels of the brain, par- 
ticularly, turgid with black blood. Occasionally, however, there 
is no inflammation of the brain or its membranes ; but either 
the stomach contains a more than usual quantity of food, or the 
larger intestines are loaded with foul matter. 

Apoplexy is a determination of blood to the head, and the 
cause is the over-condition of the animal, and too great fulness 



72 APOPLEXY. 

of blood. It used to be much more common, when it was cus 
tomary to keep horses exceedingly fat, overwork them, and then 
suffer them to eat voraciously until their stomachs were preter- 
naturally distended. The farmer used to keep his horses at the 
plough six or eight hours, then suffer them to overgorge them- 
selves at will. The consequence was, that the farmer's horse 
was notoriously subject to fits of heaviness and sleepiness — to 
staggers, or half-attacks of staggers. And from the frequent 
pressure on the optic nerve and other parts, caused by oppres- 
sion of the brain, they frequently became blind . A better divi- 
sion of labor, with properly distributed intervals for rest and 
ieeding, have, comparatively speaking, banished sleepy staggers. 

Old horses are more subject to staggers than young ones, their 
stomachs and digestive functions having been weakened by re- 
peated abuses. 

Hard- worked, and half-starved animals on being turned into 
rich pastures, are sometimes attacked. If the weather is hot, 
tne sympathy of the brain with the undue labor of the stomach 
is more easily excited, and a determination of blood to the brain 
more readily effected. 

There is nothing in the appearance of the horse which will 
lead to a discovery of the cause of staggers — no yellowness nor 
twitchings of the skin, no local swellings, as some have de- 
scribed ; but the practitioner or owner must get at the truth of 
the matter as well as he can, and proceed accordingly. 

As to the treatment of staggers, whatever be the cause of 
the disease, bleeding is the first measure indicated — the over 
loaded vessels of the brain must be relieved. The jugular vein 
should be immediately opened. It is easily got at — it is large — 
the blood may be drawn from it in a full stream, and, being also 
the vessel through which the blood is returned from the head, 
the greater part of the quantity obtained will be taken immedi- 
ately from the overloaded organ, and therefore will be most 
likely to produce the desired effect No definite quantity of 
blood should be ordered to be abstracted. The effect produced 
must be the guide, and the bleeding must be continued until the 
horse falters, or begins to blow — or, perhaps, with more assured 
success, until he falls. Some persons select the temporal artery. 
This is very unscientific practice. It is difficult, or impossible, 
to obtain from this vessel a stream that promises any decisive 
success. It is likewise difficult to stop the bleeding from this 
artery ; and, after all, the blood is not drawn from the actual 
seat of the disease — the brain. 

The second step is to ascertain what is the cause of the apo- 
plexy. If produced by over-distention of the stomach, cathar 
tics are of little avail. Recourse should be had to the sUwiach 



APOPL.EX*. 73 

pump (one of the most valuable discoveries of modern times), and 
injections of warm water. The latter may be continued not 
only until the contents of the stomach are so far diluted as to 
escape by the anus, but until the obstruction to vomiting offered 
by the contracted entrance of the stomach is overcome, and a 
portion of the food is returned through the nostrils or mouth. 

This being effected, or it having been ascertained that there 
was no extreme distention of the stomach, recourse should be 
had to aloes, and from eight to twelve drachms of it may be ad- 
ministered. It will be proper to add some stimulating medicine 
to the aloes, with a view of restoring the tone of the stomach, 
and inducing it to contract on its contents. Gentian and ginger 
are most likely to effect this purpose. 

The after-treatment must be regulated by circumstances. For 
some time the horse should be put on a restricted diet ; mashes 
should be given ; green food in no great quantity ; a moderate 
allowance of hay, and very little grain. When sufficiently re- 
covered, he may be turned out with advantage on rather bare 
pasture. One circumstance, however, should never be forgotten 
— that the horse who has once been attacked with staggers is 
liable to a return of the complaint from causes that otherwise 
would not affect him. The distended vessels are weakened — 
the constitution is weakened, and prudence would dictate that 
such an animal cannot be too soon disposed of. 

Let no one delude himself with the idea that apoplexy is con- 
tagious. It is so under no circumstances, though the same kind 
of mismanagement may produce repeated cases of it nearly at 
the same time, and in the same establishment.* 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — "With regard to those diseases which come under 
the denomination of staggers, we have, certainly, three varieties, though 
neither of them are so prevalent as they were formerly. 

Mad staggers is undoubtedly inflammation of the brain, and is charac- 
terized by those symptoms of extreme violence spoken of in the text. 
These symptoms may be preceded by the sleepy stage, or may occur with- 
out it. In sleepy staggers, as it used to be called, one of the most striking 
symptoms is a disposition to thrust the head forwards, and it is surprising 
with what force and determination this will be done. Thus resting his head, 
the horse will doze for hours. Now, there are certainly two diseases pre- 
senting these symptoms. One, which has been denominated stomach stag- 
gers, arises from distention of the viscus with food. Such is the sympathy 
between the stomach and the brain, that distention of the former will pro- 
duce very similar symptoms to that when the brain is primarily diseased. 
We are, however, very much in the dark as to whether distention of the 
stomach with food is a cause or an effect ; that is, whether it is caused by 
indigestion arising from a want of tone in the nervous system, or whether 
distention of the stomach with food is at once the cause of all the other symp- 
toms. 

Stomach staggers used formerly to be very prevalent, owing to the causes 
named in the text. In this disease there is a very great disposition tc 

D 



74 PHRENITIS. 



PHRENITIS. 



Primary inflammation of the brain or its membranes, or both, 
sometimes occurs, and of the membranes oftenest when both are 
not involved. 

The early symptoms are almost precisely those of apoplexy, 
except that the phrenetic horse is not quite so lethargic. He 
sees a little better, will shrink more from the whip, and the dis- 
ease runs its course more rapidly. In apoplexy, from distention 
of the stomach, twenty-four or thirty-six hours will elapse beibre 
cure, rupture of the stomach, or the destruction of the horse. If 
it proceeds merely from an oppression of the digestive organs 
and the sympathy which subsists between the stomach and brain, 
it may run on for two or three days. But the apoplexy of the 
phrenetic horse will often run its course in a few hours. 

In a case of evident phrenitis, blood-letting and physic must be 
early carried to their full extent. The horse will often be 
materially relieved, and, perhaps, cured by this decisive treat- 
ment ; but, if the golden hour has been suffered to pass, or if 
remedial measures have become ineffectual, the scene all at once 
changes, and the most violent reaction succeeds. The . eye 
brightens — strangely so ; the membrane of the eye becomes 
suddenly reddened, and forms a frightful contrast with the 
transparency of the cornea ; the pupil is dilated to the utmost ; 
the nostril, before scarcely moving, expands and quivers, and 
labors ; the respiration becomes short and quick ; the ears are 

force the head forwards, the pulse is slow and oppressed, and the abdomen 
generally distended, the bowels costive, and the dung usually slimy. This 
distention of the stomach is the principal distinction between tins affection 
of the stomach, and the sleepy staggers, as it is called, which is primarily 
a disease of the brain. In this latter complaint, however, there is less dis- 
position to thrust forward the head, and the abdomen is by no means dis- 
tended. 

Sleepy staggers is sometimes suddenly succeeded by mad staggers or 
inflammation of the brain ; the symptoms of which are sufficiently detailed 
in the text. It is important to distinguish between these different diseases, 
as the treatment requires considerable modification. 

Mad staggers, the symptoms of which are so extremely violent, must be 
met by the active bleedings and purgatives recommended in the text. 

I would not, however, recommend the same active blood-letting for the 
stomach or the sleepy staggers, as in these diseases there appears a want 
of that nervous energy and excitation which abounds so much in the mad 
staggers, and which blood-letting is calculated to depress. In the stomach 
disease, oily purgatives and clysters, assisted by plenty of diluents, are 
called for; and, in those cases where lethargy and debility are present, 
tonics and mild stimulants are to be recommended. 

I have never observed any connection to exist between staggers and 
amaurosis; the latter, it is true, may be caused by indigestion, but I have 
never met with an instance of its being produced by staggers. 



PHRENIT1S. 75 

erect, or bent forward to catch the slightest sound ; and the 
horse, becoming more irritable every instant, trembles at the 
slightest motion. The irritability of the patient increases — it 
may be said to change to ferocity — but the animal has no aim 
or object in what he does. He dashes himself violently about, 
plunges in every direction, rears on his hind-legs, whirls round 
and round, and then falls backward with dreadful force. He lies 
for a while exhausted — there is a remission of the symptoms, 
but perhaps only for a minute or two, or possibly for a quarter 
of an hour. 

In the intervals between the paroxysms, one or both jugulars 
should be opened ; and all the blood abstracted that can be ob- 
tained. It is better not even to pin up the vein at all. The 
patient will never thus be lost, and it is indispensable to 
promptly relieve the brain and reduce the inflammation. Physic 
should be administered, and that which will most speedily act. 
The farina of the Croton nut will, perhaps, have the prefer- 
ence. Half a drachm or two scruples of it may be fearlessly 
administered. This medicine can be administered in the form 
of a little ball, or in drink, by means of the probang, or a 
stick, or the horn. Sometimes the phrenetic horse will drink 
with avidity, and thus repeated doses of purgative medicine may 
be given, and they should be continued until the bowels respond 
The forehead should be blistered, if it can in any way be ac- 
complished ; yet but little service is to be expected from this 
manipulation. The bowels having been well opened, digitalis 
should be administered. Its first and most powerful action is on 
the heart, diminishing both the number and strength of its 
pulsations. To this may be added emetic tartar and nitre, bui 
not a particle of hellebore ; for that drug, if it acts at all, pro- 
duces an increased determination of blood to the brain. 

The second paroxysm is more dreadful than the first. Again 
the animal whirls round and round, .and plunges and falls. He 
seizes his clothing and rends it in pieces ; perhaps, destitute of 
feeiing and of consciousness, he bites and tears himself. He 
darts furiously at everything within his reach ; but no mind, no 
design, seems to mingle with or govern his fury. These attacks 
and remissions follow for an uncertain period, until he becomes 
unable to rise. He pants — he foams — at length, completely 
exhausted, he dies. 

While the disease continues, no attempt must be made to 
induce the horse to feed ; and even when appetite returns with 
the abatement of inflammation, great caution must be exercised 
both with regard to the quantity and quality of the food. 

The post-mortem appearances are altogether uncertain. There 
is usually very great injection and inflammation of the mem- 



76 RABIES. 

branes of the brain, and even of portions of the substance of 
the brain ; but in other cases there is scarcely any trace of 
inflammation, or even of increased vascularity. 

Phrcnitis may be confounded with cholic and rabies. In cliolic, 
the horse rises, falls, and kicks at his belly, but there is no in- 
voluntary spasm of any of the limbs, and he is perfectly sensible 
He looks piteously at his flanks, and the expression of his anxious 
countenance is altogether different from the fearfully excited one 
of the phrenetic horse. His pulse is also comparatively quiet, 
and his struggles and violence are tame in comparison with 
those of the other. 

In rabies, there is even more violence than in phrenitis, but 
the horse is perfectly conscious, recognizes those about him, and 
seemingly exhibits more than his ordinary intelligence in his 
attempts to do mischief. 



RABIES, OR MADNESS. 

This is another and fearful disease of the nervous system. It 
results from the bite of a rabid animal, and, most commonly, 
of the companion and friend of the horse — the coach-dog. 

The early symptoms of rabies in the horse have not been 
carefully observed or well recorded ; but, in the majority of 
cases, so far as our records go, there will not often be premoni- 
tory symptoms sufficiently decisive to be noticed by the groom. 

The horse goes out to his usual work, and, for a certain time 
and distance, performs it as well as he had been accustomed to 
do ; then he stops all at once — trembles, heaves, paws, staggers, 
and falls. Almost immediately he rises, drags his load a little 
farther, and again stops, looks about him, backs, staggers, and 
falls once more. This is not a fit of megrims — it is not a sudden 
determination of blood to the brain, for the horse is not for a 
single moment insensible. The sooner he is led home the better, 
for the progress of the disease is as rapid as the first attack is 
sudden ; and, possibly, he will fall twice or thrice before he 
reaches his stable. 

In the great majority of cases — or rather, with very few ex- 
ceptions — a state of excitation ensues, which is not exceeded by 
that of the dog under the most fearful form of the malady ; but 
there are intervals when, if he had been naturally good-tem- 
pered and had been attached to his rider or bis groom, he will 
recognize his former friend and seek his caresses, and bend on 
him one of those piteous, searching looks which, once observed, 
will never be forgotten : but there is danger about this. Pr^s 
ently succeeds another paroxysm, without warning and witnout 



RABIES. 77 

control ; and there is no safety for h'm who had previously the 
most complete mastery over the animal. 

I attended a rabid horse which the twner refused to have 
destroyed, and to which attendance I only consented on condi- 
tion of the animal being slung. He had been bitten in the near 
hind-leg. When I approached him on that side, he did not 
attempt to bite me, and he could not otherwise injure me ; but 
he was agitated and trembled, and struggled as well as he 
could ; and if I merely touched him with my finger, the pulsa- 
tions were quickened full ten beats in a minute. When, how- 
ever, I went round to the off side, he permitted me to pat him, 
and I had to encounter his imploring gaze, and his head was 
pressed against me — and then presently would come the par- 
oxysm ; but it came on almost before I could touch him, when 
I approached him on the other side. 

These mild cases, however, are exceptions to a general rule 

The symptoms of the malady of Mr. Money ment's pony 
rapidly increased — he bit everything within his reach, even 
different parts of his own body — he breathed laboriously — his 
tail erect — screaming dreadfully at short intervals, striking the 
ground with his fore-feet, and perspiring most profusely. At 
length he broke the top of his manger, and rushed out of the 
stall with it hanging to his halter. He made immediately 
towards the medical attendant, and the spectators who were 
standing by. They fortunately succeeded in getting out of his 
way, and he turned in the next stall, and dropped and died. 

A young veterinary friend of mine in fool-hardily attempting 
to administer a ball to a rabid horse, was seized by the hand, 
lifted from the ground, shaken as a terrier would shake a rat, and 
the ferocious animal was only compelled to relinquish his hold 
when attacked with pitchforks, and not before he had completely 
torn the flesh from the hand. 

In the Museum of the Veterinary School at Alfort, is the lower 
jaw of a rabid horse, which was fractured in the violent efforts 
of the animal to do mischief. 

There is also in the horse, whose attachment to his owner is 
often comparatively small, a degree of treachery which we rarely 
meet with in the nobler and more intellectual dog. 

I have had occasion more than once to witness the evident pain 
of the bitten part, and the manner in which the horse in the in- 
tervals of his paroxysms employs himself in licking or gnawing 
the cicatrix. One animal had been bitten in the chest, and he, 
not in the intervals between the exacerbation, but when the par- 
oxysm was most violent, would bite and tear himself until his 
breast was shockingly mangled, and the blood flowed from it in 
a stream. 



78 RABIES. 

The most interesting and satisfactory symptom is the evident 
dread of water which exists in the decided majority of cases, and 
the impossibility of swallowing any considerable quantity. 

As the disease progresses, not only is the animal rapidly debili- 
tated, but there is the peculiar staggering gait which is observabl* 
in the dog — referable to evident loss of power in the muscles of 
he lumbar region. Although this symptom is not often observed 
hi the dog, it is a satisfactory identification of the disease, when 
it is so frequently seen in the horse, and so invariably in the hu- 
man being. 

The earliest and perhaps the most decisive symptom of the 
near approach of rabies in the horse, is a spasmodic movement of 
the upper lip, particularly of the angles of the lip. Close follow- 
ing on this, or contemporaneous with it, is the depressed and anx- 
ious countenance, and inquiring gaze, suddenly however lighted 
up and becoming fierce and menacing, from some unknown cause, 
or at the approach of a stranger. From time to time different 
parts of the frame — the eyes — the jaws — particular limbs — will 
be convulsed. The eye will occasionally wander after some im- 
aginary object, and the horse will snap again and again at that 
which has no real existence. Then will come the irrepressible 
desire to bite the attendants or the animals within its reach. To 
this will succeed the demolition of the rack, the manger, and the 
whole furniture of the stable, accompanied by the peculiar dread 
of water which has been already alluded to. 

Towards the close of the disease there is generally paralysis, 
usually confined to the loins and the hinder extremities, or involv- 
ing those organs which derive their nervous influence from this 
portion of the spinal cord ; — hence the distressing tenesmus 
(ineffectual attempt to stool) which is occasionally seen. 

The disease rarely extends beyond the third day. 

After death, there is uniformly found inflammation at the back 
part of the mouth, and at the top of the windpipe, and likewise 
in the stomach, and on the membrane covering the lungs, and 
where the spinal marrow first issues from the brain. 

When the disease can be clearly connected with a previous 
bite, the sooner the animal is destroyed the better, for there is no 
cure. If the symptoms bear considerable resemblance to rabies, 
although no bite is suspected, the horse should at least be slung, 
and the medicine, if any is administered, given in the form of a 
drink, and with the hand well protected ; for if it should be 
scratched in balling the horse, or the skin should have been pre- 
viously broken, the saliva of the animal is capable of cornmum 
eating the disease. Several farriers have lost their lives from 
being bitten or scratched in the act of administering medicine to 
a rabid horse. 



LOCKED JAW. 



7y 



If a horse is bitten by a dog under suspicious circumstances, he 
should be carefully examined, and every wound, and even the 
slightest scratch, well burned with the lunar caustic (nitrate of 
silver). The scab should be removed and the operation repeated 
on the third day. The hot iron does not answer so well, and 
other caustics are not so manageable. In the spring of 1827, 
four horses were bitten near Hyde Park, by a. mad dog. To one 
of them the lunar caustic was twice severely applied — he lived. 
The red-hot iron was unsparingly used on the others, and they 
died. The caustic must reach every part of the wound. At the 
expiration of the fourth month, the horse may be considered to 
be safe. 



TETANUS, OR LOCKED JAW. 

Tetanus is one of the most dreadful and fatal diseases to which 
the horse is subject. It is called locked jaw, because the mus- 
cles of the jaw are earliest affected, and the mouth is obstinately 
and immovably closed. It is a constant spasm of all the volun- 
tary muscles, and particularly of those of the neck, the spine, and 
the head. It is generally slow and treacherous in its attack. 
The horse, for a day or two, does not appear to be quite well ; he 
does not feed as usual ; he partly chews his food, and drops it ; 
and he gulps his water. The owner at length finds that the mo- 
tion of the jaws is considerably limited, and some saliva is driv- 
elling from the mouth. If he tries he can only open the mouth 
a very little way, or the jaws are perfectly and rigidly closed ; 
and thus the only period at which the disease could have been 
successfully combated is lost. A cut of a horse laboring under 
this disease is here given, which the reader will do well to oxam- 
me carefully. 

Fig. 9. 




80 LOCKED JAW. 

The first thing that strikes the observer is a protrusion of the 
muzzle, and stiffness of the neck ; and, on passing the hand down 
it, the muscles will be found singularly prominent, distinct, hard, 
knotty, and unyielding. There is difficulty in bringing the head 
round, and still greater difficulty in bending it. The eye is 
drawn deep within the socket, and, in consequence of this, the 
fatty matter behind the eye is pressed forward ; the haw is also 
protruded, and there is an appearance of strabismus, or squinting, 
in an outward direction. 

The ears are erect, pointed forward, and immovable ; if the 
horse is spoken to, or threatened to be struck, they change not 
their position. Considering the beautiful play of the ear of the 
horse when in health, and the kind of conversation which he 
maintains by the motion of it, there is not a more characteristic 
symptom of tetanus than this immobility of the ear. The nostril 
is expanded to the utmost, and there is little or no play of it, as 
in hurried or even natural breathing. The respiration is usually 
accelerated, yet not always so ; but it is uniformly laborious. 
The pulse gives little indication of the severity of the disease. 
It is sometimes scarcely affected. It will be rapidly accelerated 
when any one approaches the animal and offers to touch him, but 
it presently quiets down again almost to its natural standard. 
Alter a while, however, the heart begins to sympathize with the 
general excitation of the system, and the pulse increases in fre- 
quency and force until the animal becomes debilitated, when it 
beats yet quicker and quicker, but diminishes in power, and 
gradually flutters and dies away. 

The countenance is eager, anxious, haggard, and tells plainly 
enough what the animal suffers. 

The stiffness gradually extends to the back. If the horse is in 
a narrow stall, it is impossible to turn him ; and, even with room 
and scope enough, he turns altogether like a deal-board. 

The extremities begin to participate in the spasm — the hinder 
ones generally first, but never to the extent to which it exists in 
the neck and back. The horse stands with his hind-legs strad- 
dling apart in a singular way. The whole of the limb moves, 01 
rather is dragged on, together, and anxious care is taken that no 
joint shall be flexed more than can possibly be helped. The fore 
limbs have a singular appearance ; they are as stiff as they can 
possibly be, but stretched forward and straddling. They have 
not unaptly been compared to the legs of a form. 

The abdominal muscles gradually become involved. They 
seem to contract with all the power they possess, and there is a 
degree of "hide-bound" appearance, and of tucking up of the 
belly, which is seen under no other complaint. The tail becomes 



LOCKED JAW. 81 

in constant motion from the alternate and violent action of the 
muscles that elevate and depress it. 

Constipation, and to an almost insurmountable degree, now ap- 
pears. The abdominal muscles are so powerfully contracted, that 
no portion of the contents of the abdomen can pass on and be 
discharged. 

By degrees the spasm extends and becomes everywhere more 
violent. The motion of the whole frame is lost, and the horse 
stands fixed in the unnatural posture which he has assumed 
The countenance becomes wilder and more haggard — its expres- 
sion can never be effaced from the memory of him who care? 
about the feelings of a brute. The violent cramp of a single 
muscle, or set of muscles, makes the stoutest heart quail, and 
draws forth the most piteous cries — what, then, must it be for 
this torture to pervade the whole frame, and to continue, with 
little respite, from day to day, and from week to week ! When 
his attendant approaches and touches him, he scarcely moves , 
but the despairing gaze, and the sudden acceleration of the 
pulse, indicate what he feels and fears 

Tetanus is evidently an affection of the nerves, caused by an 
injury to some one of them, and the effect of that injury has 
spread to the origin of the nerve — the brain — and universal dis 
eased action has followed. 

If the disease terminates fatally, it is usually from the sixth 
to the eighth day. There are occasionally slight remissions in 
the spasm, but not sufficiently to enable the animal to eat or to 
drink. If these remissions return and increase in length, and 
particularly if there is more relaxation of the lower jaw, there 
is yet hope. If the horse recovers, it will be slowly, and he 
will be left sadly weak, and a mere walking skeleton. 

On post-mortem examination the muscular fibre will exhibit 
sufficient proof of the labor which has been exacted from it. 
The muscles will appear as if they had been macerated — their 
texture will be softened, and they will be torn with the greatest 
ease. The lungs will, in the majority of cases, be highly in- 
flamed, for they have been laboring long and painfully, to fur- 
nish arterial blood in sufficient quantity to support this great 
expenditure of animal power. The stomach will contain patches 
of inflammation, but the intestines, in most cases, will not ex- 
hibit much departure from the hue of health. The examination 
of the brain will be altogether unsatisfactory. There may be 
slight injection of some of the membranes, but, in the majority 
of cases, there will not be any morbid change worthy of record. 

Tetanus most usually occurs from injuries to some nervous 
fibre of the foot — sometimes from a prick in shoeing. It is 
also eonnected with docking, nicking and castration (q. v.) 
6 d 



82 LOCKED JAW CRAMP. 

Severe over-exertion, or sudden exposure to cold after being 
heated by exercise, has also brought it on. 

The treatment of tetanus is simple — the system must be tran- 
quillized. The grand agent in accomplishing this is copious 
bleeding. The animal should be bled until he falls, or the 
pulse evidently falters. Twenty pounds of blood have been 
safely taken in such cases. 

The profuse bleeding will generally relax the muscles of the 
jaw, so that a dose of physic can be administered. Eight or ten 
drachms of aloes should be given. If the remission of the spasm 
is slight, there is another purgative — not so certain in its action, 
but more powerful when it does act — the farina of the Croton nut. 

Clysters will be useful in assisting the action of the purgative 
A solution of Epsom salts will constitute the safest and best in- 
jection. As to medicine, opium is not only a valuable drug, but 
it is that on which alone dependence can be placed in this disease. 
It will be borne in doses, from half a drachm to two drachms. 

The application of sheep-skins warm from the animal, and 
applied along the whole course of the spine, may somewhat un- 
load the congested vessels of the part, and diminish the sufferings 
of the animal. They should be renewed as soon as they become 
offensive, and the patient should be covered from the poll to the 
tail with double or treble clothing. 

Gentle friction with the hand along the course of the spine, 
and the application of an opiate liniment, is highly useful. 

Gruel should be placed within the reach of the horse, and he 
should also have thoroughly wet mashes placed before him. By 
means of a small horn, or bottle, gruel can sometimes be intro- 
duced in the stomach. This can be readily accomplished by 
means of the flexible tube accompanying Read's patent pump. 
A little food should be placed in the manger, and occasionally 
inserted between his grinders. The effort to eat will assist in 
breaking the chain of spasmodic action. Turn out the horse for 
a few hours in the middle of the day, in fine weather.* 

CRAMP. 

This is a sudden, involuntary, and painful spasm of a par- 
ticular muscle. It occasionally attacks the muscles of organic 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Successful treatment is principally confined to 
those cases in which the spasm is not universal, but confined to one part, as 
the neck or jaw, when it is denominated trismus. Purgatives, opiates, and 
antimonials, form, with blood-letting, the principal curative measures ; but 
it should be borne in mind that, beyond all these, perfect quietude, and the 
absence of all excitement, is most essential. The animal should therefore be 
left alone as much as possible, without being harassed by frequent visits, 
and the exhibition of medicines. 



STRING HALT CHORE*. 83 

life, but in its most common form only affects the hind extremi- 
ties, where it is observed by the temporary lameness and stiff- 
ness it produces, in the hardly worked horse, as he is first led out 
of the stable in the morning. If any lameness remains, which 
can be ascertained by pressing the parts, it should be removed 
by hard rubbing, or by giving the horse a wider and more com- 
fortable stall, if that should appear to be the origin of the 
difficulty. 

STRINGHALT. 

This is a sudden and spasmodic action of some of the muscles 
of the thigh when the horse is first led from the stable. One or 
both legs are caught up at every step with great rapidity and 
violence, so that the fetlock sometimes touches the belly ; but, 
after the horse has been out a little while, this usually goes off 
and the natural action of the animal returns. In a few cases it 
does not perfectly disappear after exercise, but the horse continues 
to be olightly lame. 

Stringhalt is not a perfectly involuntary action of a certain 
muscle, or a certain set of muscles. The limb is flexed at the 
command of the will, but it acts to a greater extent and with 
more violence than the will had prompted. 

Professor Spooner is of opinion that this peculiar affection is not 
referable to any diseased state of the brain or spinal cord, nor to 
any local affection of the muscles of the limbs, but simply to 
a morbid affection of the sciatic nerve. He has not dissected a 
single case of stringhalt in which he has not found disease of this 
nerve, which mainly contributes to supply the hind extremities 
with sensation and the power of voluntary motion. 

Stringhalt is decided unsoundness ; but generally speaking, it 
so little interferes with the services of the animal, that although 
an unsoundness, it would not weigh a great deal against other 
manifest valuable qualities. 

CHOREA. 

This is a convulsive, involuntary twitching of some muscle or 
set of muscles. A few, and very few, cases of it in the horse are 
recorded. Professor Gohier relates one in which it attacked both 
fore-legs, and especially the left, but the affection was not con- 
stant. During five or six minutes the spasms were most vio- 
lent, so that the horse was scarcely able to stand. The convul- 
sions then became weaker, the interval between them increased, 
and at length they disappeared, leaving a slight but temporary 
lameness. All means of cure were fruitlessly tried, and the dis- 
ease continued until the horse died of some ether complaint. In 



84 FITS PALSY. 



another case it followed sudden suppression of the discharge of 
glanders and disappearance of the enlarged glands. This also 
was intermittent during the life of the animal. 



FITS, OR EPILEPSY. 

The stream of nervous influence is sometimes rapid, or the 
suspensions are considerable. This is the theory of Fits, or Ep- 
ilepsy. Fortunately the horse is not often afflicted with this 
disease, although it is not unknown to the breeder. The attack 
.s not sudden. The animal stops — trembles — looks vacantly 
around him, and falls. Occasionally the convulsions that follow 
are slight ; at other times they are terrible. The head and fore- 
part of the horse are most affected, and the contortions are veiy 
singular. In a few minutes the convulsions cease ; he gets up ; 
looks around him with a kind of stupid astonishment ; shakes his 
ears ; urines ; and eats or drinks as if nothing had happened. 

The only hope of cure consists in discovering the cause of the 
fits ; and an experienced practitioner must be consulted, if the 
animal is valuable. Generally speaking, however, the cause 
is so difficult to discover, and the habit of having fits is so soon 
formed, and these fits will so frequently return, even at a great 
distance of time, that he who values his own safety, or the lives 
of his family, will cease to use an epileptic horse. 

PALSY. 

The stream of nervous influence is sometimes stopped, and 
thence results palsy. The power of the muscle is unimpaired, 
but the nervous energy is deficient. In the horse, palsy is usually 
general, and not confined to one side as commonly happens in 
the human subject. It generally attacks the hind extremities. 
The loins and the back oftenest exhibit the effects of palsy, be- 
cause there are some of the most violent muscular efforts, and 
there is the greatest movement and the least support. It may 
consequently be taken as an axiom to guide the judgment of the 
piactitioner that palsy in the horse almost invariably proceeds 
from disease or injury of the spine. 

On inquiry it is almost invariably found that the horse had 
lately fallen, or had been worked exceedingly hard, or that 
covered with perspiration, he had been left exposed to cold an<? 
wet. It commences generally in one hind-leg, or perhaps both 
are equally affected. The animal can scarcely walk — he walks 
on his fetlocks instead of his soles — he staggers at every motion. 
At length he falls. He is raised with difficulty, or he never 
rises again. The sensibility of the part seems for a while to he 



RUEUMATISM. 85 

dreadfully increased ; but, in general, this gradually subsides — it 
sinks below the usual standard — it ceases altogether. 

If he is examined after death, there will usually, about the 
region of the loins, be inflammation of the membranes of the 
spinal cord, or of the cord itself. The medullary matter will be 
found of a yellow color, or injected with spots of blood, or it will 
be softened, and have become semifluid. 

The treatment is simple. It should commence with bleeding 
until the pulse begins to falter or the horse to reel. To this 
should follow a strong cathartic. The loins should be covered 
with a mustard poultice frequently renewed. The horse should 
be warmly clothed, supplied plentifully with mashes, but with- 
out a kernel of grain in them ; and frequent injections administer- 
ed. If favorable symptoms appear, the horse must not be in the 
slightest degree neglected, nor the medical treatment suspended, 
for in no disease is there a greater liability of relapse, and in 
none is a relapse more fatal. Palsy of the horse is an inflamma- 
tory complaint, and under no circumstances should grain or any 
tonic medicine be given. 

If the heat and tenderness abate, and the animal regains a 
freer use of his limbs, or if it is becoming a case of chronic palsy, 
an extensive and stimulating charge over the loins should be 
immediately applied. It will accomplish three purposes : there 
will be the principle of counter-irritation — a defence against the 
cold — and a useful support of the limbs. 

RHEUMATISM. 

It is only of late years that this has been admitted into the 
list of the diseases of the horse, although it is in truth a very 
common affection. It is frequent in old horses that have been 
early abused, and among younger ones whose powers have been 
severely taxed. The lameness is frequently excessive, and the 
pain is evidently excruciating. The animal dares not to rest the 
slightest portion of its weight on the limb, or even to touch the 
ground with his toe. He is heaving at the flanks, sweating pro- 
fusely, his countenance plainly indicative of the agony he feels ; 
but there is at first no heat, or swelling, or tenderness. With 
proper treatment, the pain and the lameness gradually disappear ; 
but in other instances the fasciae of the muscles become thick- 
ened — the ligaments are also thickened and rigid — the capsules 
of the joint are loaded with a glairy fluid, and the joint is evi- 
dently enlarged. This is simply rheumatism ; but if it is neg- 
lected, palsy soon associates itself with, or succeeds to, the com- 
plaint ; and the loss of nervous power follows the difficulty 01 
pain of moving. 



86 NEUROTOMY. 

Every horseman will recollect cases in which the animal that 
Beemed on the preceding day to be perfectly sound becomes 
decidedly lame, a;id limps as though he had lost the use of his 
limbs ; yet there is no thickening of the tendons, nor any external 
inflammatory action to show the seat of the complaint. 

The attack is most common in winter, and in wet, cola 
weather. Good bleeding and sharp purging, the former aided if 
necessary by injections — and warm fomentations to the affected 
parts — constitute the proper treatment. 

NEUROTOMY. 

From the faulty construction of the shoe, the premature and 
cruel exaction of labor, and various other causes, the horse is 
subject to a variety of diseases of the foot — all of them accom- 
panied with a greater or less degree of pain, often of a very in- 
tense character, and ceasing only with the life of the animal. 

The division of the nerve as a remedy for intense pain in 
any part of the frame, was systematically practiced more than 
a century ago. Mr. Moorecroft has the honor of introducing 
this operation — neurotomy — into veterinary practice. He laid 
bare one of the metacarpal nerves, and divided it. It always 
immediately reduced the lameness, and, sometimes, the horse 
rose perfectly sound. This result was not always permanent, 
however, for the lameness returned in a few weeks, or on much 
active exertion. He next cut out a small piece of the nerve. 
The freedom from lameness was of longer duration, but eventu- 
ally returned. He then tried a bolder experiment — the excision 
of a portion of the nerves going both to the inner and outer 
metacarpals, and found that the sensibility of the foot was thus 
destroyed. 

Fig. 10 gives a view of the nerve on the inside of the leg, 
as it approaches the fetlock. It will be seen that branches 
are given off above the fetlock, which go to the fore-part of the 
foot and supply it with feeling. The continuation of the nerve 
below the fetlock is given principally to the quarters and hinder 
part of the foot. The grand consideration, then, with the oper- 
ator is — does he wish to deprive the whole of the foot of sensa- 
tion, or is the cause of lameness principally in the hinder part 
of the foot, so that he can leave some degree of feeling in the 
fore-part, and prevent that alteration in the tread and going of 
the horse, which the horseman so much dislikes ? 

The horse must be cast and secured, and the limb to be 
operated on removed from the hobbles and extended — the hair 
having been previously shaved from the part. The operator 
then feels for the throbbing of the artery, or the round firm 



NEUROTOMY. 



F7 



oody of the nerve itself, on the side of the shank bone or the 
larger pastern. The vein, artery, and nerve here run close 
together, the vein nearest to the front of the leg, then the 
artery, and the nerve behind. He cautiously cuts through the 
skin for an inch and a half in length. The vessels will then 
be brought into view, and the nerve will be distinguished from 
them by its lying behind the others, and by its whiteness. A 
crooked needle, armed with silk, is then passed under it, in order 
to raise it a little. It is dissected from the cellular substance 
beneath, and about three quarters of an inch of it cut out, — the 
first incision being made at the upper part, in which case the 
second incision will not be felt. The horse must then be turned, 
and the operation performed on the other side ; for there is a 
nervous trunk on both sides. The wounds are now closed with 
strips of adhesive plaster, a bandage placed over them, the head 
tied up for a couple of days, and the animal kept rather low, 
and as quiet as possible. The incisions will generally rapidly 
heal ; and in three weeks or a month, and sometimes earlier, 
the horse will be fit for work. 

Fig. 10. 

A The metacarpal nerve on the inside of the off leg 
at the edge of the shank bone, and behind the 
vein and artery. 

B The continuation of the same nerve on the past- 
ern, and proceeding downward to supply the 
back part of the foot with feeling. 

C The division of the nerve on the fetlock joint. 

D The branch which supplies with feeling the 
fore-part of the foot. 

E The artery between the vein and nerve. 

F The continuation of the artery on the pastern, 
close to, and before the nerve. 

G The vein before the artery and nerve. 

H The same vein spreading over the pastern 

I One of the flexor tendons, the perforatus (per- 
forated). 

J The deeper flexor tendon, the perforans (per- 
forating, contained within the other). 

K The tendinous band in which the flexors work. 

L One of the extensors of the foot. 

M The internal or sensible frog. 

N T The posterior lateral ligament. 

O The fleshy or sensible lamina covering the coffin 
bone, the horny crust being removed. 

P The horny crust. 

Q. The sole. 

For ring-bone — the side cartilages becoming bony, and there 
being partial stiffness of the pastern and coffin joints — the 




88 NEUROTOMY. 

operation of nerving will probably be beneficial. The sense 
of pain being taken away, the animal will use these parts more, 
and they will gradually recover their natural action and motion. 
For the same reason, in old contraction of the feet, it is highly 
beneficial. The torture occasioned by the pressure of the horny 
crust on the sensible parts within being no longer felt, and the 
foot coming fully and firmly in contact with the ground, not only 
is lameness relieved, but the elasticity and form of the foot par- 
tially restored. Where lameness has long existed, unattended 
with heat of the foot or alteration of shape, and the seat of 
which could not be ascertained, although probably existing be- 
tween the navicular bone and the back tendon that plays over 
it, neurotomy may be resorted to with decided advantage. 

Mischief, however, will result from the operation if the pastern 
or coifln joints are perfectly stiff, because the concussion occa- 
sioned by the forcible contact of the foot with the ground, and 
unbroken by the play of the joints, must necessarily still more 
injure the bone. When the sole of the foot is convex or 'pum- 
iced, the effect of neurotomy will be most destructive. The sole 
scarcely able to bear the pressure of the coffin-bone, even when 
pain induces the animal to put his foot as gently as possible 
on the ground, being forced below its natural situation, would 
be speedily worn through and destroyed. So if inflammation 
existed, although its pain might be removed, yet its progress 
would be quickened by the bruising to which the parts might 
be subjected ; and more especially would this be the case, if 
there was any ulceration of the ligaments or cartilages. 

The unfettered shoe of Mr. Turner being adopted, at least so 
far as , we can have it unfettered — attached to the foot on one 
side alone, and the inner quarter being left free — the foot 
gradually regains its original healthy form, and when, in pro 
cess of time, a new portion of nerve is produced, and the sensi 
bility of the foot re-established, the horse continues to be sound. 
To some extent, immediate good effect is produced as it regards 
the actual disease. We remove that general constitutional ir- 
ritability which long-continued pain occasions, and which height- 
ens and perpetuates local disease. We obtain for the patient 
an interval of repose, and every local ailment soon subsides or 
disappears, and the whole constitution becomes invigorated. 

Mr. Percival relates the case of a mare with contracted feet, 
that was never subject to periodical oestrum, and would not 
breed — and an incompetent stallion, with some disease of the 
feet — both of which procreated freely after being subjected to 
the operation of neurotomy. 

Neurotomy having been performed, the veterinary surgeon 
will attempt to remove the original cause of the pain, and re 



NEUROTOMY. 89 

store the foot, except so far as feeling is concerned, to its natu- 
ral condition. In doing this, he is now permitted to use appli- 
ances which humanity would have prevented him from resorting 
to, before the sensibility of the part was destroyed. 8ome of 
these will be hereafter adverted to. 

The principle of neurotomy is plain and simple — it is the re- 
moval of pain. In this light, it is a noble operation, and one 
zii which every humane person will rejoice. But it may be 
abused. If no contemporaneous means are adopted to cure the 
disease of the foot — if in canker, or quittor, or inflammation of 
the laminEe, for example, no means are used to lessen the con- 
cussion and pressure — the destruction of the part, and the utter 
ruin of the horse, are the inevitable consequences. The primary 
result is the removal of pain. It is for the operator to calculate 
the bearing of this on the actual disease, and the future useful- 
ness of the animal. 

The excised portion of the nerve is again reproduced, but the 
time in which this is effected has not been tested by any definite 
experiments. With the restoration of the nerve, the lameness 
and pain return, unless the cause is removed. 

Can the horse that has undergone the operation of neurotomy 
be afterwards passed as sound ? Most certainly not.* [See Un- 
soundness.] 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — The operation has sometimes fallen into disrepute 
from having been performed on improper cases, or from the horse having 
afterwards been unduly worked. It should never be performed on a weak, 
flat, or convex foot, as the danger from concussion, pricks from shoeing, 
and other injuries, is great, and is still further increased by the operation 
in question. It also should not be performed for diseases of the fetlock 
joint, nor when the feet are exceedingly contracted ; for, in the former 
case, the inflammation of the fetlock will soon extend above the seat of 
operation on the renewal of work ; and, in the latter case, the disposition 
to expansion will be so great from the horse treading boldly on his heels 
that inflammation will result from the pressure of the soft parts against 
the horny crust, and enlargement and disorganization will be likely to fol- 
low. The best cases for the operation are those where the foot is strong 
and but little contracted. The horse should be worked moderately and 
steadily afterwards, either at a foot pace or a steady trot. He should not 
be used for hunting ; as, in alighting from a leap, the diseased sinew, in 
passing over the navicular bone, to which it often becomes morbidly united, 
sometimes snaps or ruptures, and the horse is rendered useless. For the 
same reason, the horse should not be turned out to grass, as the same re- 
sult may happen from playfulness. A result which sometimes attends this 
operation is, that when the horse has been previously disposed to overreach 
or clack his hind shoes against his fore ones, this disposition is afterwards 
greatly increased, from the leg operated on not being moved out of the way 
of the hind-leg so rapidly as it should be. 

Neurotomy is usually performed a few inches above the fetlock joint. 
Some novices have performed it midway between the fetlock joint and the 
knee, and been much surprised to find that the lameness still continued, 



90 INSANITY. 



INSANITY. 



There is no doubt that the animals which we have subjugated 
possess many of the same mental faculties as the human being 
— volition, memory, attachment, gratitude, resentment, fear, and 
hatred. Who has not witnessed the plain and manifest display 
of these principles and feelings in our quadruped dependants ? 
The simple possession of these faculties implies that they may 
be used for purposes good or bad, and that, as in the human 
being, they may be deranged or destroyed by a multitude of 
causes which it is not necessary to particularize. 

The conduct of the horse laboring under insanity, is highly 
analogous to certain acts of insanity in man. 

Professor Rodet, of Toulouse, gives an account of a horse re- 
markable for an habitual air of stupidity, and for a wandering ex- 
pression of countenance, that when he saw or heard any sudden 
or unusual noise, or even when his grain was thrown into his 
manger without speaking to him or patting him, was frightened 
to an incredible degree ; he recoiled precipitately, every limb 
trembled, and he struggled violently to escape. If unable to do 
so, he became so enraged that it was dangerous to approach him. 
This was followed by dreadful convulsions, which did not cease 
until he got free. He then would become calm, and suffer him- 
self to be led back to his stall. 

Professor Rodet also speaks of a mare belonging to a soldier, 
that had not the slightest fear of the sights and sounds of a field 
of battle, but had an insane aversion to paper ! She distin- 
guished it at once from all other objects, and even in the dark, 

which was owing to the fact that the outer metacarpal nerve sends off a 
branch which passes obliquely over the back sinews, and joins the other 
several inches lower down ; so that the section is made on one side below 
the place where the branch nerve leaves, and on the other above the spot 
where it joins the nerve ; thus feeling is readily kept up by means of this 
branch nerve. Sometimes the operation is performed below, or immedi- 
ately upon the fetlock joint ; the effect of which is, that feeling is preserved 
to the front of the foot by means of two small branch nerves which are 
given off above the fetlock joint, whilst the navicular joint is deprived of all 
feeling. This would be a very desirable mode of performing the operation, 
were it always successful ; but it often happens that, after some time, lame- 
ness again follows from the mischief extending itself within the sphere of 
the nerves that remain. In some instances, however, where the disease ia 
entirely confined within the navicular joint, the horse has continued sound, 
and still preserved a certain degree of feeling. Another mode of operating 
is, to excise the nerve on the inside above the fetlock, and, on the outside, 
upon it ; by which means a slight degree of feeling is preserved on the out- 
6ide and front of the foot, and there is no danger of injury from cutting 
which is the cas'e when the operation is performed immediately on the fat> 
lock joint on both sides of the leg. 



DISEASES OF THE EYE. 91 

if two leaves were rubbed together — and her fright caused her 
several times to unhorse her rider. 

Another mare, quiet in other respects, would invariably rush 
at another white or gray horse, and attempt to destroy it. 

These instances are selected from various others, because they 
approach so nearly to what would be termed insanity in man. 
It is a species of monomania, and as decided insanity as ever 
the biped discovered. One of these horses, the second, was by 
Ions: and kind attention digested of this insane terror, and be- 
came perfectly quiet and useful ; hut the others hid defiance to 
all means of cure, and to coercion among the rest. 

DISEASES OF THE EYE. 

The diseases of the eye constitute a very important, but a 
most unsatisfactory division of our work, for the maladies of this 
organ, although few in number, are frequent in their appear- 
ance. They are sadly obstinate, and often baffle all skill. 

We have spoken of fracture of the orbit, and its treatment 

Occasionally the substance round the eye is wounded by a 
fork or other sharp instrument, and inflammation ensues. This 
should be abated by poultices, and bleeding, and physic ; but 
no probe should be used in such a place. 

The eyelids are subject to occasional inflammation from Mows 
or other injuries. Fomentation with warm water will be ser- 
viceable here. 

The horse has occasionally a scaly eruption on the edges of the 
eyelids, attended with great itching, in the effort to allay which, 
by rubbing the part, the eye may be blemished. The nitrated 
ointment of quicksilver, mixed with an equal quantity of lard, 
may be slightly rubbed on the edges of the lids with considerable 
good effect. 

The eyelids will sometimes become aedematous (puffed up with 
a serous humor). Horses fed in low wet pastures, old carriage- 
horses, &c, are subject to it. It is sometimes the result of badly 
treated inflammation. The lids should be well bathed with 
warm water mingled with an aromatic tincture. 

Weakness and dropping of the upper lid is caused by diminu- 
tion or loss of power in its muscles. Dry frictions and aromatic 
Jotions will frequently restore the tone of the parts. 

The eyelids are subject to occasional injury from their situation 
and office. In small incised (cut) wounds of them great care 
should be taken that the divided edges unite hy the first intention. 
This will hasten the cure, and prevent deformity. If any of the 
muscles are divided, it is usually the ciliary or orbicularis palpe- 
orarum. This lesion must be healed, if possible, by the first in- 



52 DISEASES OF THE EYE. 

tention, and either by means of adhesive plaster or the suture 
(sewing). The suture is probably the preferable agent. 

Suppurating wounds in the eyelids may be the consequence of 
the necessary abstraction of a considerable surface of the skin, in 
the removal of warts or tumors. The principal thing to be at- 
tended to is the frequent removal of the matter ty means of tow 
or cotton wool. The rest may generally be left to nature. 

Inversion of the lids is of very rare occurrence in the horse 

Warts are sometimes attached to the edges of the lids, and are 
a source of great irritation. When rubbed they bleed, and the 
common opinion is true — that they are propagated by the blood. 
They should be taken off with a sharp pair of scissors, and theii 
roots touched with the lunar caustic. 

The membrane which covers the Haw is subject to inflamma- 
tion. It is, indeed, a continuation of the conjunctiva, the inflam- 
mation of which constitutes ophthalmia. An account of this 
inflammation will be better postponed until the nature and treat- 
ment of ophthalmia come under particular notice. 

The Haw, or Membrana Nictitans, is subject to inflammation 
peculiar to itself, arising from the introduction of foreign bodies, 
or from blows or other accidents. The entire substance of the 
haw becomes inflamed. It swells and protrudes from the innei 
angle of the eye. The heat and redness gradually disappear, bnt 
the membrane often continues to protrude. The inflammation 
of this organ often assumes a chronic character in a very short 
time, on account of the structure of the parts, which are <n gen- 
eral little susceptible of reaction. 

The ordinary causes of this disease in the horse are repeated 
and periodical attacks of ophthalmia, and blows on the part. 
Young and old horses are most subject to it. 

Emollient applications, bleeding, and restricted diet will be 
proper at the commencement of the disease, and, the inflamma- 
tion being abated, slight astringents will be useful in preventing 
the engorgement of the part. Rose-water with subacetate of 
lead will form a proper eye-wash. If the protruding body does 
not diminish after proper means have been tried, and for a suffi- 
cient period, it must be removed with a curved pair of scissors. 
No danger will attend this operation if it is performed in time ; 
but if it is neglected, ulceration of the part and the growth of 
fungous vegetations will give a serious character to the affair. 
A second operation may also be necessary, and even a third, and 
fungus hsematodes will probably be established. 

Ulceration and caries (decay) of the cartilage will sometimes 
be accompanied by ulceration of the conjunctiva. This will fre- 
quently prove a very serious affair, demanding, at least, the re- 
moval of the haw. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. 93 

The Caruncula Lacrymalis, or Tubercle, by means of which 
the tears are directed into the canal through which they are to 
escape from the nostril, is sometimes enlarged in consequence of 
inriammation, and the Puncta Lacrymalia, or conduits into which 
the tears pass from the eye, are partially or completely closed. 
The application of warm and emollient lotions will generally re- 
move the collected mucus or the inflammation of the parts ; but 
if the passage of a stylet or other more complicated means are 
required, the assistance of a veterinary surgeon should be imme- 
diately obtained. The lacrymal sac into which the tears pa^s 
from the puncta has occasionally participated in the inflammation, 
and been distended and ruptured by the tears and mucus. This 
lesion is termed Fistula Lacrymalis. It has occasionally existed 
in colts, and will require immediate and peculiar treatment. 

COMMON INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. 

TJie conjunctiva is occasionally the seat of great disease, and 
that which is too often destructive to the eye. Inflammation of 
the eye may be considered under two forms — the common and 
manageable, and the specific and fatal. The Common Inflam- 
mation is generally sudden in its attack. The lids will be found 
swelled and the eyes partially closed, and some weeping. The 
inside of the lid will be red, some red streaks visible on the white 
of the eye, and the cornea slightly dim. This is occasionally 
connected with some degree of catarrh or cold ; but it is as often 
unaccompanied by this, and depends on external irritation, as a 
blow, or the presence of a bit of hay-seed or oat-husk within the 
lid, and towards the outer corner where the haw cannot reach it : 
therefore the lids should always be carefully examined as to this 
possible source of the complaint. The health of the animal is 
generally unaffected — he feeds well, and performs his work with 
his usual spirit. Cooling applications to the eye, as the Goulard's 
extract or tincture of opium, with mash-diet, and gentle physic, 
will usually abate the evil ; or the inflammation will subside 
without medical treatment.^ 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Unless this disease is connected with influenza, 
or some other malady affecting the whole system, it is usually produced by 
external violence, and in nine cases out of ten, may be distinguished from 
specific ophthalmia. When caused by a blow, there is in addition to swelling 
of the lids, and a large effusion of tears, a considerable dimness or opacity 
on the surface of the eye, whilst at the same time the interior is compara- 
tively free from disease. In specific ophthalmia, there is a greater amount 
of disease in the interior of the eye, and little if any opacity of the cornea. 
When connected with influenza there is much swelling of the lids, and a 
great flow of tears, while the eye itself is tolerably free from injury ; and 
when it proceeds from a cold, there is usually a thick matter, or mucus, dis- 



94 OPHTHALMIA. 



SPECIFIC OPHTHALMIA, OR MOON-BLIXDN"ESS. 

Should three or four days pass, and the inflammation not te 
abated, we may begin to suspect that it is Ophthalmia, especially 
if the eye is very impatient of light, and the cornea is considerably 
clouded The aqueous humor then often loses its transparency — 
even the iris changes its color, and the pupil is exceedingly con- 
tracted. The veterinary surgeon has now an obstinate disease to 
combat, and one that will generally maintain its ground in spite 
of all his efforts. For three, or four, or five weeks, the inflam- 
mation will remain undiminished ; or if it appears to yield on one 
day, it will return with redoubled violence on the next. At 
length, and often unconnected with any of the means that have 
been used, the eye begins to bear the light, the redness of the 
membrane of the lid disappears, the cornea clears up, and the 
only vestige of disease which remains is a slight thickening of 
the lids and apparent uneasiness when exposed to a very strong 

li ^ ht - 

If the owner imagines that he has got rid of the disease, he 

will be sadly disappointed, for, in the course of six weeks, or 
two months, either the same -eye undergoes a second and similar 
attack, or the other one becomes affected. All again seems to 
pass over, except that the eye is not so perfectly restored, and 
a slight, deeply-seated cloudiness begins to appear ; and aftei 
repeated attacks, and alternations of disease from eye to eye, 
the affair terminates in opacity of the lens or its capsule, at- 
tended with perfect blindness either of one eye or both. This 
affection was formerly known by tbe name of moon-blindness, 
from its periodical return, and some supposed influence of the 
moon. That body, however, has not, and cannot have, anything 
to do with it. 

What is the practitioner doing all this while ? He is an 
anxious and busy, but almost powerless spectator. He foments 
the eyes with warm water, or applies cold lotions, with the ex- 
tract of lead or opium, or poultices to which these drugs may be 
added ; he bleeds, not from the temporal artery, for that does 
not supply the orbit of the eye, but from the angular vein at 
the inner corner of the eye, or he scarifies the lining of the lid, 
or subtracts a considerable quantity of blood from the jugular 
vein. The scarifying of the conjunctiva, which may be easily 
accomplished without a twitch, by exposing the inside of the 

Charged from the corner of the eye after the first day or two. A cut from 
a whip generally leave9 a streak on the surface of the eye (unless the in- 
jury is sufficient to involve the whole surface), and this streak sometimes 
becomes permanent. 



OPHTHALMIA. 95 

lids, and drawing a keen lancet slightly over them, is the most 
effectual of all ways to abate inflammation, for we are then im- 
mediately unloading the distended vessels. He places his seton? 
in the cheek, or his rowels under the jaw ; and he keeps the 
animal low, and gives physic or fever medicine (digitalis, nitre 
and emetic tartar). The disease, however, ebbs and flows, re 
treats and attacks, until it reaches its natural termination, blind 
ness of one or both eyes. 

The horse is more subject to^this disease from the age of foui 
to six years. Every affection of the eye appearing about this 
age, should be regarded with suspicion. The eye should be 
most carefully observed at the time of purchase, and the ex- 
aminer should be fully aware of the minute indications of dis- 
ease. They are a slight thickening of the lids, or puckering tow- 
ards the inner corner of the eye ; a difference in the apparent 
size of the eyes ; a cloudiness, although perhaps scarcely per- 
ceptible, of the surface of the cornea, or more deeply seated, 
or a hazy circle round its edge ; a gloominess of eye generally, 
and dulness of the iris ; or a minute, faint, dusky spot in the 
centre, with or without minute fibres or lines diverging from it. 

There is undoubtedly a strong predisposition to this inflamma 
tion in the eye of the horse, but it is assisted by the heated and 
empoisoned air of many stables. The dung and urine of the 
horse, and the litter when becoming putrid, emit fumes of vola- 
tile alkali, or hartshorn. We need not wonder at the prevalence 
of inflammation in the eye of the stable horse, nor at the diffi- 
culty in abating it, while this organ continues much exposed to 
the effect of this pungent gas. 

Dark stables are another cause of ophthalmia. Let the horse 
be led several times a day from a dark room into a full glare 
of light, and the sight will become disordered, the eyes weak, 
and disposed to take on sudden inflammation, with all its fatal 
results. 

The disease is also in a high degree hereditary. A stallion with 
defective sight should never be employed. 

The most frequent consequences of this disease are cloudiness 
of the eye, and cataract. The cloudiness is singular in its nature . 
It will change in twenty-four hours from the thinnest film to the 
thickest opacity, and, as suddenly, the eye will nearly regain its 
perfect transparency, but only to lose it, and as rapidly, a second 
time. 

Chalk, salt, sugar, and even pounded glass have been intro- 
duced into the eye to remove the film, but we need not say that 
the effect of such remedies would be to recall the inflammation, 
and that they are utterly barbarous. Where the cloudiness can 
bo removed, it will be best effected by first abating inflamma 



96 OPHTHALMIA. 

tion, and then exciting the absorbents to take up the gray de 
posit, by washing the eye with a very weak solution of corrosive 
sublimate. 

Opacity of the lens is another consequence of inflammation. 
A white speck appears on the centre of the lens, which gradually 
spreads over it, and completely covers it. It is generally so 
white and pearly as not to be mistaken — at other times it is 
more hazy, deceiving the inexperienced, and occasioning doubt in 
the mind of professional men. Vie have seen many instances in 
which the sight has been considerably affected or almost lost, and 
yet the horse has been pronounced sound by very fair judges. The 
eye must be exposed to the light, and yet under the kind of 
shelter which has been already described, in order to discover the 
defect. The pupil of the horse is seldom black, like that of the 
human being, and its grayish hue conceals the recent or thin film 
that may be spreading over the lens. 

Confirmed cataract in the eye of the horse admits of no remedy. 
But slight cataracts come and go, sometimes withou' « ny pre- 
vious inflammation, and without leading to blindness. Still it is 
a serious thing at all times, and, although existing in the minut- 
est degree, it is unsoundness, and very materially lessens the 
value of the horse. 

Mr. Percival says the best way of distinguishing between this 
transient cataract, and that which is the consequence of ophthal- 
mia, is the general appearance of the eye. If perfectly clear and 
healthy, we should infer it was the former, but the slightest trace 
of prior or present inflammation would lead us to suspect the 
latter.^ 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — With regard to the causes of these diseases, we 
agree with the author in ascribing much to the ammoniacal fumes which 
escape from the urine, to which we would add high stimulating food and 
great exertion in harness. We believe, also, that improved stabling and 
better ventilation has lessened the frequency of these ocular cases. Horses 
with small pig eyes are much more liable to ophthalmia than those with 
large prominent eyes ; and thus, as the former are more frequently found 
with horses deficient in breeding, it may account for the opinion which is 
popularly entertained, that black horses are more liable to blindness than 
others, these horses being generally deficient in breeding. 

With regard to the treatment of these diseases, we have little to add to 
that detailed in the text. Inflammation is the leading feature in all, and 
therefore should be met by active antiphlogistic treatment. An active dose 
of physic should be given, as soon as the horse is prepared, by mashes 
and, in the meantime, three or four quarts of blood should be taken front 
the neck, on the same side as the affected eye. The eyelids should also be 
scarified, then well fomented with warm water ; after which we have de- 
rived great assistance from putting linseed poultices, in linen bag=j. on the 
eyes, by means of leather blinds. 'These should be continued during the 
day, and may serve as the vehicle for the application of opiate or Goulard 
lotions, which, apphed in the usual way, are but of little service. By this 



GUTTA SERENA. 97 



GUTTA SERENA. 

Another species of blindness, and of which mention was made 
when describing the retina, is Gutta Serena, commonly called 
glass eye. The pupil is more than usually dilated : it is im- 
movable, and bright, and glassy. This is palsy of the optic 
nerve, or its expansion, the retina ; and is usually produced by 
determination of blood to the head. It is the kind of blindness 
which we have described, as sometimes resulting from the pres- 
sure on the base of the brain, and the consequent injury to the 
function of the nerve, in staggers. 

The treatment of Gutta Serena is quite as difficult as that of 
cataract. We have heard of successful cases, but we never saw 
one ; nor should we be disposed to incur much expense in en- 
deavoring to accomplish impossibilities. Reasoning from the 
cause of the disease, we should bleed and physic, and administer 
the strychnine in doses, commencing at half a grain, and not 
exceeding two grains, morning and night — very carefully watch- 
ing it. If we succeed, it must be by constitutional treatment. 
As to local treatment, the seat of the disease is out of our reach.* 

prompt and active treatment a great deal of good can be accomplished, 
and the loss of sight may be greatly postponed. It is useless to attempt 
half measures ; we should either treat actively or not at all. After the vio- 
lence of the inflammation has subsided, much benefit may be obtained by 
putting a few drops of the wine of opium into the eye twice a daj . 

Cataract. 

Cataract may be either partial or complete ; and again, it may either 
succeed the violent disease before spoken of, or it may gradually come on 
with very little previous inflammation. It admits also of another impor- 
tant division. It may be either a cataract of the lens itself, or merely of 
the membrane which covers it. The latter may come on without any 
noticeable inflammation ; appearing as one or two small specks in the cen- 
tre of the eye, about the size of a pin's head. It is very important to 
distinguish between these different kinds of cataracts, inasmuch as, whilst 
the former is irremovable, the latter is very frequently absorbed without 
any external treatment. Whilst the former is often pearly white, and com- 
pletely opaque, so far as it exists, the latter is gray and less opaque. It 
requires a considerable amount of tact, as well as experience, to discover 
these small incipient cataracts, and to discriminate between the one kind 
and the other. 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — This disease is sometimes connected with 
diseased liver, particularly a rupture of its coats, when the blindness may 
shift from one eye to the other. Although this disease is generally but 
little under the influence of treatment, we have met with successful cases 
in young animals. The treatment should principally be directed to the 
removal of the cause which produces the disease. 

E 
7 



98 DISEASES OF THE EAR DEAFNESS. 



DISEASES OF THE EAR. 

Wounds of the ear are usually the consequence of cart less ox 
brutal treatment — often of the application of the twitch or t lie 
pliers. These bruises or wounds will generally speedily heal ; 
but sinuses and abscesses are sometimes the result. A simple 
laceration of the cartilage is easily remedied. The divided 
edges are brought together, the head tied up closely a few days, 
and all is well ; but where ulceration of the skin and subja- 
cent parts, and caries of the cartilage take place, deep sinuses 
will be formed, and the wound will bid defiance to medical 
treatment. I had a case of this kind under my care for more 
than two months, and finally had to cut off the ear. The 
lunar caustic, or the muriate of antimony, or the heated iron, 
must be early employed, or all labor will be in vain. 

I have seen two cases where the auditory passage was closed, 
and the hearing destroyed — the result of violent blows. When 
there is swelling about the root of the ear and the fluctuation 
of a fluid within can be detected, it should be opened with a 
lancet, and the purulent fluid liberated. The incision should be 
of considerable length, or the opening will soon close. It should 
not be permitted to close until the abscess is obliterated. 

The size and carrying of the ear may be changed. The first 
is done by clipping them to the requisite size. If they hang 
down too much, a fold of the skin is pinched up and cut awa.y. 
on either side of the occipital bone, and in a straight line for 
ward and backward. The divided edges are then brought to- 
gether, confined by two or three stitches, and they presently 
unite. If the ears are too close together, this fault may be cor- 
rected by another piece of cruelty. Similar slips of skin are 
cut away on the outside base of the ear, and in the same direc- 
tion. The edges of the wound are then brought together, con- 
fir ed by stitches, and the ears are drawn further apart from each 
other, and have different directions given to them. A very 
slight examination of either of the horses will readily detect the 
imposition. 

DEAFNESS. 

Of the occasional existence of this in the horse, there is no 
doubt. The beautiful play of the ears has ceased, and the 
horse hears not the voice of his master, or the sound of the 
whip. Much of the apparent stupidity of a few horses is at- 
tributable to their imperfect hearing. It is the result of certain 
diseases, blows, and, as in other domesticated animals, is the 
certain accompaniment of old age. It is incurable. 






CHAPTER IV. 

THE ANATOMY OF THE DISEASES OF THE NOSE AND MOUTH 

We now proceed to a description of the face, or lower part 
of the head of the horse. The nasal bones, or hones of the 
nose (j j, Fig. 2, and a, Fig. 3), are connected with the frontal 
bones above, and with the lacrymal, i i, and the bones of the 
upper jaw, I I, on either side. They are united together by a 
plain suture, which is a continuation of the frontal, and they ter- 
minate in a point at the nostril (p, Fig. 2). They are rounded 
and arched above, because they are exposed to occasional violence 
and injury, which the arch-form will enable them best to resist ; 
and at the base of the arch, where the main strength should 
be, they are overlapped by the upper jaw-bone, as the temporal 
bone overlaps the base of the parietal. These bones form a prin- 
cipal part of the face ; and the length, or shortness, and the 
character of the face, depend upon them. Sometimes there is 
an appearance of two little arches, with a depression between 
them along the sutures. This is often found in the blood-horse, 
with his comparatively broad head and face. The single ele- 
vated arch is found in the long and narrow face of the heavy 
draught-horse. 

The profile of the horse has been supposed by many, and 
probably with some truth, to be indicative of his temper. The 
straight profile may be accompanied with a good or bad temper, but 
not often either in any great excess. The one with a prominent 
Koman nose, is usually an easy, good-tempered, hardy beast, 
ready enough to feed, not always, perhaps, so ready to work, 
but may be made to do his duty without any cruel urging, and 
having no extraordinary pretension to speed or blood. On the 
other hand, a depression across the centre of the nose generally 
indicates some breeding, especially if the head is small, but occa 
sionally accompanied by a vicious, uncontrollable disposition. 

There is another way, however, in which the nasal bones do 
more certainly indicate the breed, viz., by their comparative length 
or shortness. There is no surer criterion of a well-bred horse, 



]00 ANATOMY AND DISEASES OP 

than a broad angular forehead, prominent features, and a shorl 
face ; nor of a horse with little breeding, than a narrow forehead 
small features, and lengthened nose. The comparative develop 
ment of the head and face indicates, with little, error, the pre 
ponderance of the animal or intellectual principle. 

Fracture of the nasal bones of the horse will sometimes occui 
from falling, or a kick from the companion, or the brutality of 
the attendant. It is generally followed by laceration of the lin 
ing membrane of the nostrils, and by haemorrhage. The bleed 
ing may usually be arrested by the application of cold watei 
externally. In spontaneous haemorrhage, this does not often 
succeed until a considerable quantity of blood is lost. 

In cases of fracture of the nasal bones, the assistance of a 
veterinary surgeon is indispensable. He alone knows the precise 
anatomy of the parts, and will have recourse to the elevator or 
the trephine, as circumstances may require. 

Ozena sometimes follows these wounds, or foundation may be 
laid for the appearance of glanders. 

Spontaneous bleeding from the nose must be carefully attended 
to. It may proceed from an over fulness of the blood vessels of 
the membrane of the nose, consequent on very high condition, or 
from the lungs. If from the nostril alone, it will usually be con- 
fined to one side ; if from the lungs, the discharge is from both 
nostrils, and generally mingled with mucus or froth ; and there 
is also a quickened respiration, and more or less cough. 

If it is apparently connected with some slight cause, a dose of 
physic and quietness for a day or two will be sufficient, and, if 
necessary, a slight solution of alum may be injected up the nos- 
stril. If the bleeding is apparently from the lungs, a more se- 
rious evacuation will be required. 

These bones form the roof of an important cavity (see a, 
Fig. 3). The sides are constituted above by the nasal bones, 
and, lower down, by the upper jaw-bones {superior maxillaries), 
while plates from these latter bones project and compose the pal- 
ate, which is both the floor of the nose and the roof of the 
mouth (t, Fig. 3.) Above (near 8), not visible in our cut, is a 
bone called the palatine, although it contributes very little U 
the formation of the palate. It is the termination of the palate, 
or the border of the opening where the cavities of the mouth and 
nose meet (8). The frontal sinuses, b, and large vacuities in the 
upper jaw-bone, and in the aethmoid, I, and sphenoid bones, k, 
communicate with and enlarge the cavity of the nose. 

This cavity is divided into two parts by a cartilage called the 
Septum (see r, Fig. 3.) It is of considerable thickness and 
strength, and divides the cavity of the nose into two equal parts. 
It is placed in the centre for the purpose of strength, and it is 




formed of cartilage, in order that, by its gradual yielding resist- 
ance, it may neutralize almost any force that may be applied 
to it. 

When we open the nostril, we see the membrane lining the 
whole cavity of the nose, by the color of which, much more than 
by that of the lining of the eye-lids, we judge of the degree of 
fever, and particularly of inflammation of the lungs, or of any 
of the air passages. The cut above shows the ramification of the 
arterial and venous blood-vessels on this membrane. Certain 
ulcerations on it also betray the existence of glanders. 

The nasal cavity is, on either side, occupied by two bones, 
which, from their being rolled up somewhat in the form of a 
turban, are called the turbinated or turban-shaped bones, (s s, 
Fig. 3.) ; part of the cartilage is cut away in our cut in order 
to display them. They are as thin as gauze, and perforated, like 
gauze, with a thousand holes. Between them are left sufficient 
passages for the air. Spread out, they would occupy a consider- 
able surface. Over them is spread the substance or pulp of the 
olfactory nerves, which makes them the seat of smell ; and they 
are thus expanded, because by the sense of smell, the horse must 
in a great degree supply the want of that of touch. They also 
enable him to distinguish his proper herbage, detect distant dan- 
ger , and they, like the windings of a horn, give loudness to his 
voice. 

The extension of the nostril at the lower part of these cavi- 
ties is an important part of the face, and intimately connected 
with breeding, courage, and speed. The horse can breathe only 
through the nose. All the air which goes to and returns from 
the lungs, must pass through the nostrils. In the common act 
of breathing, these are sufficiently large ; but when the animal 
is put on his speed, and the respiration is quickened, these pas- 



102 



MUSCLES, ETC., OF THE HEAD. 



sages must dilate, or he will be much distressed. The expanded 
nostril is a striking feature in the blood-horse, especially when 
he has been excited and not over-blown. The nostril should be 
proportioned to the kind of labor we require from the animal- 
larger in proportion to the activity of the labor, and the conse- 
quent liability of being blown. 

Some very powerful muscles proceed from different parts of 
the face to the neighborhood of the nostrils, in order to draw 
them ba?k and dilate them. Four of these are given in the 
following cut, which is inserted to complete our present subject, 
and which will be often referred to in the course of our work ; 
Z, m, o, and p, are muscles employed for this purpose. 

THE MUSCLES, NERVES, AND BLOOD-VESSELS OF THE HEAD AND 
UPPER PART OF THE NECK. 



Fig. 12. 




a The upper part of the ligament of the neck. 

b The levator humeri (elevator of the shoulder), arising from the tuhercle of the 
occiput, the mastoid (nipple-shaped) process of the temporal bone, and the 
transverse processes (cross projections) of the four first bones of the neck, 
and the ligament of the neck, and going to the muscles of the shoulders, and 
the upper bone of the arm ; to draw forward the shoulder and arm ; or turn 
the head and neck ; and. when the two levators act, to depress the head. 

c The tendon common to the complexus major (larger complicated), and splenitis 
(splint-like) : to the mastoid process of the temporal bone, to hold up the head, 
or, the muscles on one side alone acting, to turn it. 

d The s/erno-maxillaris (belonging to the breast-bone) and upper jaw, from the 
cartilage in front of the chest to the angle of the lower jaw : to bend the head, 
or, if one only acts, to bend it on one side. 

« The slylo-maxillaris, from the styloid (pencil-shaped) or coracoid (beak-shaped} 
process of the occiput, to the angle of the jaw : to pull the jaw backward and 
open it. 



MUSCLES, ETC., OF THE HEAD. 103 

f The subscapulo hyoidcus, from under the shoulder-blade, to the body of the os 
hyoides (the bone at the root of the tongue formed like a Greek u, v) : to draw 
hack that bone. 

g Tiie masseter (chewing) ; a most powerful muscle, constituting the cheek of the 
horse:- -from the upper jaw bone into the rough surface round the angle of 
the lower: in conjunction with the temporal muscle to close the mouth and 
chew the food. 

h The orbicularis (circular) surrounding the eye and closing the lids. 

i The zygomaticus, from the zygomatic arch and masseter to the corner of the 
mouth, iO draw back the angle of the mouth. 

k The buccinator (trumpeter), from the inside of the mouth and cheeks, to the 
angle of the mouth, to draw it back. 

I The vasalis labii superioris (belonging to the nose and upper lip), from a depres- 
sion at the junction of the superior maxillary and malar bones, to the angle 
of the nostril : to raise the lip, and dilate the nostrils. 

m Dilator 7iaris lateralis (side dilator of the nostril), reversed to show the vessels 
and nerves which it covers, going from the covering of the nasal and frontal 
bones, to the angle of the mouth, and side of the nostril : to retract the upper 
lip and dilate the nostrils. 

n Dilator mag mis (great dilator), assisting in the same office. 

o Depressor labii inferioris (puller down of the under lip), to the sides of the un- 
der lip : to pull it down. 

p Orbicularis oris (circular muscle of the mouth), surrounding the mouth : to 
close the. lips and dilate the nostrils. 

q The upper portion of the parotid gland (gland near the ear) reversed, to show 
the blood-vessels and nerves beneath it. 

r The parotid duct piercing the cheek, to discharge the saliva into the mouth. 

s The maxillary gland (gland of the lower jaw) with its duct. 

t The jugular (neck) vein, after the two branches have united. 

u At this letter, the submaxillary artery, a branch of the jugular, and the parotid 
duct, pass under and within the angle of the lower jaw ; they come out again 
at w, and climb up the cheek to be distributed over the face. 

v The vein and artery, passing under the zygomatic arch. 

c A branch of the fifth pair, the sensitive nerve of the face, emerging from under 
the parotid gland. 

/ The main branch of the portio dura (hard portion) of the seventh pair, the motor 
(moving) nerve of the face coming out from beneath the parotid gland, to 
spread over the face. 

z Branches of both nerves, with small blood-vessels. 

There are also four distinct cartilages attached to the nostrils, 
which, by their elasticity, bring back the nostrils to their former 
dimensions, as soon as the muscles cease to act. The bones of 
the nose {a a, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3), are also sharpened off to a 
point, to give wider range for the action of the muscles ; while 
the cartilages are so contrived, as not only to discharge the 
office we have mentioned, but to protect this projection of bone 
from injury. 

The membrane of the nose, as already stated, is an excellent 
guide to the degree and character of many diseases. In health, 
and uninfluenced by exercise, that portion of the membrane seen 
in the nostrils is a pale uniform pink. An increased blush of 
red betokens some excitement of the system — a streaked appear- 
ance, inflammation commenced — intense redness, acute inflam- 
mation — pale ground with patches of vivid red, half-subdued 
but still existing fever — uniform color, but somewhat redder than 
natural, a return to healthy circulation — paleness approaching 



104 NASAL POLYFUS — NASAL DISCHARGE. 

to white, debility — and dark livid color, approaching stagnation 
of the vital current. 

NASAL POLYPUS. 

By the polypus, is meant an excrescence or tumor, varying in 
size, structure, and consistence, and attached by a pedicle to a 
mucous surface. 

The nasal polypus usually adheres to some portion of the 
superior turbinated bone, or it has come from some of the sin- 
uses connected with that cavity. 

As it increases in weight, it elongates that sac of the schnide- 
rian membrane which invests it, and it descends in the nose. It 
is of a pear form, and differs in weight from a few drachms to 
three or four pounds. • 

When it descends so that it can fairly be got at with the fin- 
gers, the forceps, or (for it possesses little sensibility) the tenta- 
culum, it must be carefully and gently drawn out, and a liga- 
ment passed tightly round the neck or pedicle of it, as high up 
as convenient, and then if practicable, it should be returned into 
the nostril. It will slough off in a few days, with very little 
inconvenience to the horse. If it cannot be returned, it should 
be cut off below the ligature. If the ligature is drawn suffi- 
ciently tightly, not much hemorrhage will often ensue. Can 
tery may be resorted to to stop bleeding, as a last resort, in case 
of obstinate hemorrhage, but it is objectionable on account of 
the degree of irritation it produces, and the difficulty of safely 
resorting to it in such a situation. In very bad cases, where the 
tumor cannot be drawn out, it may be necessary to slit up the 
side of the nostril, but in that case the false nostril should not be 
cut through, as from its thinness it is difficult to confine the 
edges securely together until they unite. The incision should 
be made along the lateral edge of the nasal bone, beginning at 
its point. The flap will then conveniently turn down, so as 1o 
expose the cavity, and there will be sufficient muscular sub- 
stance to secure an almost certain union by the first intention, 
when stitched properly together.* 1 

NASAL GLEET, OR DISCHARGE FROM THE NOSE. 

There is a constant secretion of fluid to lubricate and moisten 
the membrane that lines the cavity of the nose, and which, un- 

* Note hi/ Mr. Spoo?ier. — Still more rarely we find a bony tumor forming 
in tha nostrils, nearly obstructing all passage, and causing a discharge some- 
what resembling that of glanders. This, like the former, should be removed 
if possible !>y an opeiation. 



OZENA. 105 

der catarrh or cold, is increased ill quantity, and altered in ap- 
pearance and consistence. This will properly belong to the ac- 
count of catarrh or cold ; but that which is immediately undei 
consideration, is a continued and oftentimes profuse discharge of 
thickened mucus, when every symptom of catarrh and fever has 
passed away. If the horse is at grass, the discharge is almost as 
green as the food on which he lives ; — or if he is stabled, it is 
white, or straw-coloured, or brown, or even bloody, and some- 
times purulent. It is either constantly running, or snorted out 
in masses many times a day ; teazing the horse, and becoming a 
perfect nuisance in the stable, and to the rider. This has been 
known to continue several months, and eventually to destroy the 
horse. 

If the discharge is not offensive to the smell, nor mixed wtih 
purulent matter, it is probably merely an increased and some- 
what vitiated secretion from the cavities of the nose ; and, all 
lever having disappeared, will frequently yield to small doses of 
blue vitriol, given twice in the day. If fever or cough remains, 
the cough medicine that will hereafter be described must be 
combined with the tonic. If the discharge is mingled with pus, 
and very offensive, the vegetable tonics, gentian and ginger, may 
be added to the copper ; but there is now reason to apprehend 
that the discharge will not be controlled, and will terminate in 
glanders. Turning into a salt marsh will occasionally effect a 
cure, when both the mineral and the vegetable tonics have 
failed.* 

OZENA. 

Ozena is ulceration of the membrane of the nose, not always 
or often visible, but recognised by the discharge of muco-purulent 
matter, and the peculiar stench from which the disease derives 
its name. It resembles glanders, in being confined, in most in- 
stances, to one nostril, and the submaxillary gland on the same 
side being enlarged ; but differs from it in the gland not being 
adherent, and the discharge, from its earliest stage, being puru- 
lent and stinking. 

There is sometimes a foetid discharge from the nostril, in con- 
sequence of inflammation of the lungs, or produced by some of 
the sequelae of pneumonia ; distinguished, however, from ozena, 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — It is exceedingly rare that the nasal discharge 
s ever so profuse as that described in the text, unless produced by strangles, 
or severe catarrh, or glanders : nor is it brown or bloody, unless connected 
with other active disease. It is, indeed, very rare, and is usually of a gray 
color and free from smell, and seems to arise from a relaxation of the secret- 
ing membrane of the nostrils. It should be treated by tonics internally, as- 
sisted by good feeding and grooming. 

e 



106 OZENA. 

by its usually flowing irregularly, being coughed up in great 
quantities, more decidedly purulent, and the gland or glands sel- 
dom affected. The discharge from ozena is constant, muco- 
purulent, and attended by enlargement of the glands. It is of 
immense consequence that wo should be enabled to distinguish 
the one from the other ; for while ozena may, sometimes at 
least, be manageable, the other is too frequently the precursor of 
death. 

The cause of ozena cannot always be discovered. Chronic in- 
flammation of the membrane may assume another and malignant 
character. In severe catarrh, the membrane may become 
abraded, and the abrasions may degenerate into foul and fetid 
ulcers. It is not an unfrequent consequence of epidemic catarrh. 
It has been produced by caustic applications to the lining mem- 
brane of the nose. It has followed hemorrhage, spontaneous, or 
the consequence of injury. 

In some cases, and those as obstinate as any, it cannot perhaps 
be traced to any probable cause, and the health of the animal 
has not appeared to be in the slightest degree affected. 

The steam of a bran-mash, scalding hot, could, by means of a 
nose-bag, be made to penetrate the cavities of the nose, and would 
cleanse the part. By means of the nose-bag and warm mash, 
chloride of lime might be introduced into the cavities, removing 
the stench and arresting the tendency to decomposition. The 
vapor of turpentine, or of resinous pine shavings, can by the same 
means be brought in contact with all parts of the membrane, and 
it has been found serviceable. A run at spring grass promises 
still better. It is the finest alterative, depurative, and restora- 
tive in the whole list of remedies ; and if it is acceptable in the 
form of a salt-marsh, there is no better chance of doing good.* 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — When a nasal gleet is attended by much offen 
sive smell, we may rest assured that it is not glanders, but that it either 
arises from external injury, or may be justly included under the designation 
ozena. This is a rare disease in a horse, and is generally produced by 
catarrh, particularly that of the epidemic kind. The discharge is usually 
thick, considerable, and very offensive. The treatment should consist of 
tonics, internally and externally, fumigations of chlorine gas by means of 
Read's inhaler, or with the common nose bag ; or, if this does not succeed 
a solution of the chloride of lime may be syringed up the nostrils every day, 
or may be alternated with a weak solution of the sulphates of zinc and cop- 
per, and applied in the same manner. Nasal gleet, attended with foetid 
smell, and proceeding from one nostril only, is usually produced by some 
blow, or external injury. This much resembles glanders, and has often been 
confounded with it. 



GLANDERS. . 1 07 



GLANDERS. 



The most formidable of all the diseases to which the horse is 
subject, is Glanders. It has been known from the earliest an- 
tiquity. 

The earliest symptom of Glanders is an increased discharge 
from the nostril, small in quantity, constantly flowing, of an aque- 
ous (watery) character, and a little mucus mingling with it. 

It is a common and very mischievous error to suppose that this 
discharge is sticky, when it first makes its appearance. It is an 
aqueous or mucous, but small and constant discharge, and is thus 
distinguished from catarrh, or nasal gleet, or any other defluxion 
(discharge) from the nostril. If a horse is in the highest condi- 
tion, yet has this small watery constant discharge, and especially 
from one nostril, no time should be lost in separating him from 
his companions. No harm will be done by this, although the 
defluxion should not ultimately betray lurking mischief of a worse 
character. 

The peculiar stickiness and gluiness which is generally supposed 
to distinguish the discharge of glanders from all other mucous 
and prevalent secretions belongs to the second stage of the dis- 
ease, and, for many months before this, glanders may have ex- 
isted hi an insidious and highly contagious form. It must be ac- 
knowledged, however, that, in the majority of cases, some degree 
of stickiness does characterise the discharge of glanders from a 
very early period. 

It is a singular circumstance, for which no satisfactory account 
has yet been given, that when one nostril alone is attacked, it is, 
in a great majority of cases, the near, or left. 

This discharge, in cases of infection, may continue, and in sc 
slight a degree as to be scarcely perceptible, for many months, or 
even two or three years, unattended by any other disease, even 
ulceration of the nostril, and yet the horse being decidedly glan- 
dered from the beginning, and capable of propagating the mala- 
dy. In process of time, however, pus (matter) mingles with the 
discharge, and then another and a characteristic symptom ap- 
pears. Some of this is absorbed, and the neighbouring glands be- 
come affected. If there is discharge from both nostrils, the glands 
within the under jaw will be on both sides enlarged. If the 
discharge is from one nostril only, the swelled gland will be found 
on that side alone. Glanders, however, will frequently exist at 
an early stage without these swelled glands, and some other dis- 
eases, as catarrh, will produce them. Then we must look out 
for some peculiarity about these glands, and we shall readily find 
it. The swelling may be at first somewhat large and diffused. 



108 GLANDERS. 

out the surrounding enlargement soon goes off, and one or two 
small distinct glands remain ; and they are not in the centre of 
the channel, but adhere closely to the jaw on the affected side. 

The membrane of the nose should now be examined, and will 
materially guide our opinion. It will either be of a dark purplish 
hue, or almost of a leaden colour, or of any shade between the 
wo ; or if there is some of the redness of inflammation, it will 
have a purple tinge : but there will never be the faint pink blush 
of health, or the intense and vivid red of usual inflammation. 
Spots of ulceration will probably appear on the membrane cover- 
ing the cartilage of the nose — not mere sore places, or streaks of 
abrasion, and quite superficial, but small ulcers, unusually ap- 
proaching to a circular form, deep, and with the edges abrupt 
and prominent. When these appearances are observed, there 
can be no doubt about the matter. Care should be taken, how- 
ever, to ascertain that these ulcers do actually exist, for spots of 
mucus adhering to the membrane have been more than once 
taken for them The finger should, if possible, be passed over 
the supposed ulcer, in order to determine whether it can be wiped 
away ; and it should be recollected, as was hinted when describ- 
ing the duct that conveys the tears to the nose, that the orifice of 
that duct, just within the nostril, and on the inner side of it, ha3 
been mistaken for a chancrous ulcer. This orifice is on the con- 
tinuation of the common skin of the muzzle which runs a little 
way up the nostril, while the ulcer of glanders is on the proper 
membrane of the nose above. The line of separation between 
the two is evident on the slightest inspection. 

When ulcers begin to appear on the membrane of the nose, the 
constitution of the horse is soon evidently affected. The patient 
loses flesh — his belly is tucked up — his coat unthrifty, and readily 
coming off — the appetite is impaired — the strength fails — cough, 
more or less urgent, may be heard — the discharge from the nose 
will increase in quantity ; it will be discoloured, bloody, offensive 
to the smell — the ulcers in the nose will become larger and more 
numerous, and the air-passages being obstructed, a grating, chok- 
ing noise will be heard at every act of breathing. There is now 
a peculiar tenderness about the forehead. The membrane lining 
the frontal sinuses is inflamed and ulcerated, and the integument 
of the forehead becomes thickened and somewhat swelled. Farcy 
is now superadded to glanders, or glanders has degenerated into 
farcy, and more of the absorbents are involved. 

At or before this time little tumours appear about the muscles, 
and face, and neck, following the course of the veins and the ab- 
sorbents, for they run side by side ; and these the tumours soon 
ulcerate. Tumours or buds, still pursuing the path of the ab- 
sorbents, soon appear on the inside of the thighs. They are con- 



GLANDERS. 109 

fleeted together by a corded substance. This is the inflamed and 
enlarged lymphatic ; and ulceration quickly follows the appear- 
ance of these buds. The deeper seated absorbents are next 
affected ; and one or both of the hind-legs swell to a great size, 
and become stiff, and hot, and tender. The loss of flesh and 
strength is more marked every day. The membrane of the nose 
becomes of a dirty livid color. The membrane of the mouth is 
strangely pallid. The eye is infiltrated with a yellow fluid ; and 
the discharge from the nose becomes more profuse, and insuffera- 
bly offensive. The animal presents one mass of putrefaction, and 
at last dies, exhausted. 

There are peculiarities about the enlargement of the submax- 
illary glands, already referred to, which deserve particular atten- 
tion. They are rarely large, except at first, or hot, or tender ; 
but they are characterised by a singular hardness, a proximity to 
the jaw-bone, and, frequently, actual adhesion to it. The adhe- 
sion is produced by the inflammatory action going forward in the 
gland, and the effusion of coagulable lymph. This hardness and 
adhesion accompanying discharge from the nostril, and being on 
the same side with the nostril whence the discharge proceeds, 
afford proof not to be controverted that the horse is glandered. 
But there are cases of glanders in which the glands are neither 
adherent nor much enlarged. 

Glanders have often been confounded with strangles, and by 
those who ought to have known better. Strangles are peculiar 
to young horses. The early stage resembles common cold, with 
some degree of fever and sore throat — generally with distressing 
cough, or at least frequent wheezing , and when the enlargement 
appears beneath the jaw, it is not a single small gland, but a 
swelling of the whole of the substance between the jaws, grow- 
ing harder towards the centre, and, after a while, appearing to 
contain a fluid, and breaking. In strangles, the membrane of 
the nose will be intensely red, and the discharge from the nose 
profuse and purulent, or mixed with matter almost from the first. 
When the tumor has burst, the fever will abate, and the horse 
will speedily get well. 

Should the discharge from the nose continue, as it sometimes 
does, for a considerable time after the horse has recovered from 
strangles, there is no cause for fear. Simple strangles need never 
degenerate into glanders. Good keep, and small doses of tonic 
medicine, will gradually perfect the cure. 

Glanders have been confounded with catarrh or cold ; but the 
distinction between them is plain enough. Fever, and loss of 
appetite and sore throat, accompany cold — the quidding of the 
food and gulping of the water are sufficient indications of tie 
latter of these ; the discharge from the nose is profuse, and per- 



I 1 GLANDERS. 

haps purulent ; the glands under the jaw, if swelled, are move- 
able, there is a thickening around them, and they are tender and 
hot. With proper treatment the fever abates ; the cough disap- 
pears ; the swellings under the throat subside ; and the discharge 
from the nose gradually ceases, or, if it remains it is usually very 
different from that which characterises glanders. In glanders, 
there is seldom cough of any consequence, and generally no cough 
at all. 

A running from the nose, small in quantity, and, from the 
smallness of its quantity, drying about the edges of the nostril, 
and presenting some appearance of stickiness, will, in a few cases, 
remain after severe catarrh, and especially after the influenza of 
spring ; and these have gradually assumed the character of glan- 
ders, and more particularly when they have been accompanied 
by enlarged glands and ulceration in the nose. Here the aid of 
a judicious veterinary surgeon is indispensable ; and he will 
sometimes experience considerable difficulty in deciding the case. 
One circumstance will principally guide him. No disease will 
run on to glanders which has not, to a considerable and palpable 
degree, impaired and broken down the constitution ; and every 
disease that does this will run on to glanders. He will look 
then to the general state and condition of the horse, as well as to 
the situation of the glands, the nature of the discharge, and the 
character of the ulceration. 

If, after all, he is in doubt, an experiment may be resorted to, 
which wears indeed the appearance of cruelty, and which only 
the safety of a valuable animal, or of a whole team, can justify. 
He will inoculate an ass, or a horse already condemned to the 
hounds, with the matter discharged from the nose. If the horse 
is glandered, the symptoms of glanders or farcy will appear in 
the inoculated animal in the course of a few days. 

The post mortem examination of the horse will remove every 
doubt as to the character of the disease. The nostril is generally 
more or less blanched, with spots or lines of inflammation of 
considerable intensity. Ulceration is almost invariably found, 
and of a chancrous character, on the septum, and also on the 
SBthmoid and turbinated bones. The ulcers evidently follow the 
course of the absorbents, sometimes almost confined to the track 
of the main vessel, or, if scattered over the membrane generally, 
thickest over the path of the lymphatic. The sethmoid and tur- 
binated bones are often filled with pus, and sometimes eaten 
through and carious ; but, in the majority of cases, the ulceration 
is confined to the external membrane, although there may be pus 
within. In aggravated cases the disease extends through all the 
cells of the face and head. 

The path of the disease down the larynx and windpipe is easily 



GLANDERS. Ill 

traced, and the ulcers follow one line — that of the absorbents. 
In aggravated cases, this can generally be traced on to the lungs. 
It produces inflammation in these organs, characterised in some 
cases by congestion ; but in other cases, the congestion having 
gone on to hepatisation, in which the cellular texture of the lungs 
is obliterated. Most frequently, when the lungs are affected at 
all, tubercles are found — miliary tubercles — minute granulated 
spots on the surface, or in the substance of the lungs, and not 
accompanied by much inflammation. In a few cases there are 
larger tubercles, which soften and burst, and terminate in cavities 
of varying size. 

In some cases, and showing that glanders is not essentially 01 
necessarily a disease of the lungs, there is no morbid affection 
whatever in those organs. 

The history thus given of the symptoms of glanders will clearly 
point out its nature. 

It is inflammation, whether specific or common, of the lining 
membrane of the nose — possibly for months, and even for years, 
confined to that membrane, and even to a portion of it — the 
health and the usefulness of the animal not being in the slightest 
degree impaired. Then, from some unknown cause, not a new 
but an intenser action is set up, the inflammation more speedily 
runs its course, and the membrane becomes ulcerated. The in- 
flammation spreads on either side down the septum, and the ul- 
ceration at length assumes that peculiar chancrous form which 
characterises inflammation of the absorbents. Even then, when 
the discharge becomes gluey, and sometimes after chancres have 
appeared, the horse is apparently well. There are hundreds of 
glandered horses about the country with not a sick one among 
them. For months or years this disease may do no injury to the 
general health. The inflammation is purely local, and is only 
recognised by the invariable accompaniment of inflammation and 
increased secretion. Its neighbors fall around, but the disease 
affects not the animal whence it came. At length a constitu- 
tional inflammation appears ; farcy is established in its most hor- 
rible form, and death speedily closes the scene. 

Glanders may be either bred in the horse, or communicated by 
contagion. What we have farther to remark on this malady 
will be arranged under these two heads. 

Improper stable management we believe to be a far more fre- 
quent cause of glanders than contagion. The air which is 
necessary to respiration is changed and empoisoned in its passage 
through the lungs, and a fresh supply is necessary for the support 
of life. That supply may be sufficient barely to support life, but 
not to prevent the vitiated air from again and again passing to 
the lungs, and producing irritation and disease. The membrane 



112 GLANDERS. 

of the nose, possessed of extreme sensibility for the purposes of 
smell, is easily irritated by this poison, and close and ill- ventilated 
stables oftenest witness the ravages of glanders. Professor Cole- 
man relates a case which proves to demonstration the rapid and 
fatal agency of this cause. " In the expedition to Gluiberon, the 
norses had not been long on board the transports before it became 
necessary to shut down the hatchways for a few hours ; the con- 
sequence of this was, that some of them were suffocated, and 
mat all the rest were disembarked either glandered or farcied." 

The injurious gasses arising from the dung, urine, &c, in badly 
wieaned stables, are also powerful sources of the mischief. 

inlanders may be produced by anything that injures, or for a 
length of time acts upon and weakens, the vital energy of this 
membrane. They have been known to follow a fracture of the 
bones of the nose. They have been the consequence of violent 
caiairh, and particularly the long-continued discharge from the 
nosmis, ot which we have spoken. They have been produced 
by me injection of stimulating and acrid substances up the nos- 
tril, iiverythmg that weakens the constitution generally will 
lead xo giandeis. 

Among the causes of glanders are want of regular exercise, 
over-exertion, ana the stimulating and debilitating cordials ad- 
ministered oy senseless grooms. 

Every exerting cause of disease exerts its chief and worst in 
fluence on the membrane of the nose, and there is not anothei 
disease which mav not lay the foundation of glanders. A long 
time may elapse Defore it appears, but when at length the whole 
frame becomes excited or debilitated in some way, this debilitated 
portion is the first to yield to the attack. 

Several strongly marked instances are on record showing the 
connection between the attack of this disease and exposure to the 
dampness of brick or stone stables, the walls of which were not 
yet dry, and in others subject to damp exhalations. 

There is no doubt that glanders, or a predisposition to glanders, 
is sometimes hereditary. 

Glanders are highly contagious. If the discharge from the 
nostrils of a glandered horse is rubbed on a wound, or on a mu- 
cous surface, like the nostrils, it will produce a similar disease. 
If the division between two horses were sufficiently high to pre- 
vent all smelling and snorting at each other, and contact of every 
kind, and they drank not out of the same pail, a sound horse 
might live for years, uninfected, by the side of a glandered one. 
The matter of glanders has been mixed up into a ball, and given 
to a healthy horse, without effect. Some horses have eaten the 
hay left by those that were glandered, and no bad consequence 
has followed ; but others have been speedily infected. The 



GLANDERS. 1 1 3 

slanderous matter must come in contact with a wound, or fall on 
some membrane, thin and delicate, like that of the nose, and 
through which it may be absorbed. It is easy, then, accustomed 
as horses are to be crowded together, and to recognize each other 
by the smell — eating out of the same manger, and drinking from 
the same pail — to imagine that the disease may be very readily 
communicated. One horse has passed another when he was in 
the act of snorting, and has become glandered. Some fillies have 
received the infection from the matter blown by the wind across 
a lane, when a glandered horse, in the opposite field, has claimed 
acquaintance by neighing or snorting. It is almost impossible for 
an infected horse to remain long in a stable with others without 
irreparable mischief. 

If some persons underrate the danger, it is because the disease 
may remain unrecognised in the infected horse for some months, 
or even years, and therefore, when it appears, it is attributed to 
other causes, or to after inoculation. No glandered horse should 
be employed on any farm, nor should a glandered horse be per- 
mitted to work on any road, or even to pasture on any field He 
should be destroyed. 

In a well settled case of glanders it is not worth while, ex- 
cept by way of experiment at a veterinary school, to attempt 
any remedies. The chances of cure are too remote, and the 
danger of infection too great. 

If, however, remedial measures are resorted to, a pure atmos- 
phere is that which should first be tried. Turn out the horse, 
and, if practicable, on a salt marsh, — but much caution is requi- 
site, as the grass, and even the fences may receive the glander- 
ous matter ; and hardening on them, it may months afterward 
communicate the disease to horses ; and there is not yet decided 
proof that sheep and cattle are not subject to the same malady. 

Worse than all, the man who attends on that horse is in 
danger. The cases are now becoming far too numerous in 
which the groom or the veterinary surgeon attending on glan 
dered horses becomes infected, and in the majority of cases dies. 

Every portion of the stable, every vessel, &c, which have 
been within the reach of a nasal discharge of a glandered 
horse, should be well scraped, scoured with soap and water, 
then Avell washed with a solution of chloride of lime (a pint oi 
the chloride to a pail full of water,) and the walls white-washed. 
His head gear should be burned — his clothing baked or washed — 
pails newly painted — and the iron work with which he has been 
in contact, should, where practicable, be exposed to a red heat.* 

* Note by Mr. Spoo?ier.—Mr. S.'s note contains nothing materially adding 
to Mr. Youatt's elaborate account ; but the following is important : 

The contagiou? character of glanders is very well known, and not only is 
8 



1 1 4 FARCY. 



IARCY 



Farcy is intimately connected with glanders ; they will ruii 
into each other, or their symptoms will mingle together, anu 
before either arrives at its fatal termination its associate will 
almost invariably appear. An animal inocculated with the 
matter of farcy will often be afflicted with glanders, while the 
matter of glanders will frequently produce farcy. They are 
different types or stages of the same disease. There is, how- 
ever, a very material difference in their symptoms and progress, 
and this most important one of all, that while glanders are 
generally incurable, farcy, in its early stage and mild form, may 
be successfully treated. 

While the capillary vessels of the arteries are everywhere 
employed in building up the frame, the absorbents are no less 
diligently at work in selecting and carrying away every useless 
or worn-out portion or part of it. There is no surface on which 
thousands of these little mouths do not open. Opening on the 
surfaces of glanderous ulcers, they absorb a portion of the virus 
secreted by them, and as it passes through these little tubes, 
they become thickened and inflamed by means of its acrimonious 
qualities, and hence they received the name of corded veins from 
farriers who mistook them for the veins whose courses they 
follow. 

At certain distances in the course of the absorbents are 
natural valves, or loose duplicatures of the lining membrane, 
which are pressed against the side of the vessel and permit the 
fluid to pass in a direction towards the chest, but belly out and 
impede or arrest its progress from the chest. The virus at these 
places, and the additional inflammation there excited, is to a 
greater or less degree evident to the eye and to the feeling. 
They are usually first observed about the lips, the nose, the neck, 
and the thighs. They are very hard — even of a scirrhous hard- 
ness, more or less tender, and with perceptible heat about 
them. 

The poisonous matter being thus confined and pressing on the 
part, suppuration and ulceration ensue. The ulcers have the 

it so with regard to the horse, but it is capable of being communicated to 
the human being ; and, indeed, there have been very many deaths from this 
cause, and most horrible deaths they are. It is generally by means of 
some cut or abrasion which comes in contact with the glandered matter, 
that the infection is communicated. The utmost caution should, therefore, 
be exercised by the attendants ; and it is most, unpardonable to keep glan- 
dered horses any length of time for the sake of their work ; and we are 
scarcely justified in tampering long with them under the idea of effecting a 
cure, when the cases are decidedly glandered. 



FARCY. 1 1 5 

same character as the glanderous ones on the membrane of the 
nose. They are rounded, with an elevated edge and a pale 
surface. They are true chancres, and they discharge a virus as 
infectious and as dangerous as the matter of glanders. While 
they remain in their hard prominent state, they are called 
buttons or farcy buds ; and they are connected together by the 
inflamed and corded veins. 

In some cases the horse will droop for many a day before the 
appearance of the corded veins or buds — his appetite will be 
impaired — his coat will stare — he will lose flesh. The poison is 
evidently at work, but has not gained sufficient power to cause 
the absorbents to enlarge. In a few cases these buds do not 
ulcerate, but become hard and difficult to disperse. The pro- 
gress of the disease is then suspended, and possibly for some 
months the horse will appear to be restored to health ; but he 
bears the seeds of the malady about him, and in due time the 
farcy assumes its virulent form, and hurries him off. These 
buds have sometimes been confounded with the little tumors 01 
lumps termed surfeit. They are generally higher than these 
tumors, and not so broad. They have a more knotty character, 
and are principally found on the inside of the limbs, instead of 
the outside. The surfeit bumps are pustular and end in des- 
quamation (scaling off,) not in ulceration, and they do not follow 
the course of the absorbents, but are scattered irregularly over 
the skin. 

Few things are more unlike, or more perplexing, than the 
different forms which farcy assumes at different times. One of 
the legs, and particularly one of the hinder legs, will suddenly 
swell to an enormous size. At night the horse will appear to 
be perfectly well, and in the morning one leg will be three times 
the size of the other, with considerable fever, and scarcely the 
power of moving the limb. 

At other times the head will be subject to this enlargement, 
the muzzle particularly will swell, and an offensive discharge 
will proceed from the nose. Sometimes the horse will gradually 
lose flesh and strength ; he will be hide-bound ; many eruptions 
will appear in different parts ; the legs will swell ; cracks will 
be seen at the heels, and an inexperienced person may conceive 
it to be a mere want of condition, combined with grease. 

By degrees the affection becomes general. The virus has 
reached the termination of the absorbents, and mingles with 
the general circulating fluid, and is conveyed with the blood to 
every part of the frame. There are no longer any valves to 
impede its progress, and consequently no knots or buds, but tho 
myriads of capillary absorbents that penetrate every part be 
come inflamed, and thickened, and enlarged, and cease to dis 



116 FARCY. 

charge their function. Hence arises enlargement of the sub- 
stance of various parts, swellings of the legs, and chest, and 
head — sudden, painful, enormous, and distinguished by a heat 
and tenderness, which do not accompany other enlargements. 

Farcy camiot probably exist without previous glanders, and it 
is certain that it cannot long and extensively prevail without 
being accompanied by it. They are, in fact, stages of the same 
disease. 

Farcy has been confounded with other diseases ; but he must 
be careless or ignorant who mistook sprain for it. The inflam- 
mation is too circumscribed and too plainly connected with the 
joint or tendon. 

It may be readily distinguished from grease or swelled legs. 
In grease there is usually some crack or scurfiness, a peculiar 
tenseness and redness and glossiness of the skin, some ichorous 
discharge, and a singular spasmodic catching up of the leg. 

In farcy the engorgement is even more sudden than that of 
grease. The horse is well to-day, and to-morrow he is gorged 
from the fet-lock to the haunch, and although there is not the 
same redness or glossiness, there is great tenderness, a burning 
heat in the limb, and much general fever. It is simultaneous 
inflammation of all the absorbents of the limb. 

Local dropsy of the cellular membrane, and particularly that 
enlargement beneath the thorax which has the strange appella- 
tion of water-farcy, have none of the characters of real farcy. 
It is general debility to a greater or less degree, and not in- 
flammation of the absorbents. 

Farcy, like glanders, springs from infection and from bad 
stable management. It is produced by all the causes which 
give rise to glanders, with this difference, that it is more fre- 
quently generated, and sometimes strangely prevalent in particu- 
lar districts. The matter of farcy must come in contact with a 
wound or sore, in order to communicate the disease. 

The treatment of farcy differs with the form that it assumes. 
As a general rule, and especially when the buttons or buds are 
beginning to appear, a mild dose of physic should first be ad- 
ministered. The buds should then be carefully examined, and 
if any of them have broken, the budding-iron, at a dull red heat, 
should be applied. If pus should be felt in them, showing that 
they are disposed to break, they should be penetrated with the iron. 
These wounds should be daily inspected, and if, when the slough 
of the cautery comes off, they look pale, and foul, and spongy, 
and discharge a thin matter, they should be frequently washed 
with a strong lotion of corrosive sublimate, dissolved in rectified 
spirit. When the wounds begin to look red, and the bottom of 
them is even and firm, and they discharge a thick white or yel- 



THE LIFS. 1 17 

low matter, the Friar's balsam will usually dispose them to 
heal. 

As, however, the constitution is now tainted, local applications 
will not be sufficient, and the disease must be attacked by inter- 
nal medicine, as soon as the physic has ceased to operate. 

The most effectual constitutional remedy is the diniodide o) 
copper. It is a stimulant of the absorbent vessels, and a tonic. 
The gentian root is usually combined with it. Cantharides, in 
small quantities, may be advantageously added. . An indication 
of its influence is a soreness of the diseased parts, arising from 
the absorbent vessels being roused into increased action : the 
agent should then be for a time withheld. 

The animal should be generously fed, have green food, if pos- 
sible, and a free circulation of air.* 



THE LIPS. 

The lips of the horse are far more important organs than 
many suppose. They are the hands of the animal, and without 
them he could not convey his food to his mouth. The lips are 
composed of a muscular substance for the sake of strength, and 
a multitude of small glands, which secrete a fluid that covers 
the inside of the lips and the gums, in order to prevent friction, 
and likewise furnish a portion of the moisture so necessary for 
the proper chewing of the food. 

The lips of the horse should be thin and well kept together ; 
and the depth of the mouth should be considerable. The cor- 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — The cure of farcy materially depends on the ex- 
tent to which the constitution is affected by the disease. If it be continea 
to a single extremity, particularly one of the hind ones, or if the superficial 
absorbents are alone affected, there is then a very reasonable prospect of 
establishing a cure. The application of the caustic, as advised in the text, 
is very proper ; but we may also materially assist the case by rubbing 
into any swollen part, or along the course of the absorbents, an ointment 
consisting of 

Iodine 31 

Lard |1 

Mercurial ointment ... 5 1 

to be incorporated together. 

Advantage will also be felt by the internal exhibition of five to ten grains 
daily of hydriodate of potash in combination with a mineral tonic, such as 
sulphate of iron, three drachms, and gentian, two drachms. The ointment 
as well as the ball must be continued for some time. 

We have succeeded in many cases by this mode of treatment, though it 
must be acknowledged that there is no disease, to which the horse is liable, 
bo deceptive as this. When the external symptoms are most favorable, the 
ulcers healed, and the swelling reduced, the disease will sometimes break 
out again, and prove rapidly fatal. 



118 



THE MOUTH PALATE. 



ners or angles of the lips are sometimes wounded by the tight- 
ness of the bearing-rein, or by sharp or badly formed bits. if 
inilammation or ulcers in the mouth follow contusions inflicted 
by the bit, a little cooling medicine may be administered ; and 
to the ulcers themselves, tincture of myrrh, diluted with water, 
or alum dissolved in water, may be applied with advantage. 



THE BONES OF THE MOUTH. 

The bones, in and giving form to the mouth, are the superior 
maxillary or upper jaw (b, Fig. 1, and I, Fig. 2,) containing the 
grinders : the anterior maxillary, or lower part of the upper jaw, 
(b, Fig. 1, n, Fig. 2, r, Fig. 3,) containing the upper-nippers or 
cutting-teeth ; the palatine bone (below 8, Fig. 3,) and the pos- 
terior maxillary or under jaw (a, Fig. 1, and w, Fig. 3,) con- 
taining all the under-teeth. 

The size of these, their connection with the other bones of the 
head, and their muscular attachments, will be sufficiently learned 
from a careful inspection of the cuts, Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 12. 



THE PALATE. 

Adhering to a portion of the three bones just described, and 
constituting the lining of the roof of the mouth, is the palate {t> 
Fig. 3,) composed of an elastic and dense substance, divided into 
several ridges called bars. The following cut gives a view of 
th/»m. 

Fig. 13. 

9 . ^ »*»«&_. 9 



a The palate, divided into ridges 

or bars. 
b A strip dissected up to show the 

vessels and nerve beneath. 
c The palatine artery. 
d The palatine vein. 
e The palatine nerve, between the 

artery and the vein. 
/ The cheek divided, showing the 

direction of the muscular 

fibres. m 

g The grinders. 
h The nippers. 
i The lushes. 




LAMPAS. 1 ]\) 

It will also point out the bleeding place, if it should occasion- 
ally be deemed advisable to abstract blood from the mouth ; or, 
if the horse should be attacked with megrims on a journey, and 
the driver, having no lancet, should be compelled to make use 
of his knife, the incision should be made between the central and 
second nippers on either side, about an inch within the mouth, 
and cutting through the second bar. A stream of blood will 
be thus obtained, which will usually cease to flow when two 
or three quarts have escaped, or may generally be arrested by 
the application of a sponge filled with cold water. 

Should the cut be made a little too much on one side, and 
about the middle of the second incisor tooth, the artery may 
be wounded longitudinally, but not divided, and there may be 
very great difficulty in stopping the blood. We recollect a horse 
which almost bled to death from the artery being thus wounded. 
If, however v a large and firm pledget of lint or tow be rolled 
round a piece of twine, and that tied firmly round the front 
teeth, the pressure on the part will effect the desired purpose ; 
or, should this in a very few cases fail, a gag may be easily con- 
trived to press upon the pledget, and the bleeding will imme- 
diately cease. 

This, however, is a make-shift sort of bleeding, that may be 
allowable on a journey, and possibly in some cases of lampas, 
but which is decidedly objectionable as the usual mode of ab- 
stracting blood. The quantity withdrawn cannot be measured, 
the degree of inflammation cannot be ascertained by the manner 
in which it coagulates, and there may be difficulty to the 
operator, and annoyance and pain to the horse, in stopping the 
bleeding. 

LAMPAS. 

The bars occasionally swell, and rise to a level with, and 
even beyond the edge of, the teeth. They are very sore, and the 
horse feeds badly on account of the pain he suffers from the pres- 
sure of the food on them. This is called the Lampas. It may 
arise from inflammation of the gums, propagated to the bars, 
when the horse is shedding his teeth — and young horses are more 
subject to it than others — or from some slight febrile tendency in 
the constitution generally, as when a young horse has lately been 
taken up from grass, and has been over-fed, or not sufficiently 
exercised. At times, it appears in aged horses ; for the process 
of growth in the teeth of the horse is continued during the whole 
life of the animal. 

In the majority of cases, the swelling will soon subside without 
medical treatment ; or a few mashes, and gentle alteratives, will 



120 THE LOWER JAW. 

relieve tne animal. A few slight incisions across the bars with 
a lancet, or pen-knife, will remove the inflammation, and cause 
the swelling to subside ; indeed, this scarification of the bars in 
lampas will seldom do harm, although it is far from being so 
necessary as is supposed. The brutal custom of the farrier, who 
sears and burns down the bars with a red-hot iron, is most objec- 
tionable. It is torturing the horse to no purpose, and rendering 
that part callous, on the delicate sensibility of which all the 
pleasure and safety of riding and driving depend. It may be 
prudent, in case of lampas, to examine the grinders, and more 
particularly the tushes, in order to ascertain whether either of 
them is making its way through the gum. If it is so, two inci- 
sions across each other should be made on the tooth, and the 
horse will experience immediate relief.* 

THE LOWER JAW. 

The posterior or lower jaw may be considered as forming the 
floor of the mouth (a, Fig. 1, or w, Fig. 3). The body, or lower 
part of it, contains the under cutting teeth and the tushes, and 
at the sides are two flat pieces of bone containing the grinders. 
[See the preceding cuts of the anatomy and tissues of the head]. 
The joint which connects the lower to the upper jaw, unlike that 
in carnivorous animals, is so constructed, that it not only admits 
of the simple motion of a hinge, but of a lateral or grinding 
motion, necessary to break down vegetable fibre, and fit it for 
the stomach. 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — It is almost impossible that the swelling of the 
bars of the mouth, denominated lampas, can interfere with the process of 
mastication, when the horse is in the stable and feeding on grain, for we 
well know that the food is ground as in a mill, by the molar teeth. It often 
happens, however, that connected with this lampas, there is an inability to 
masticate properly ; the horse quids his food, as it is called, that is, throws 
it out of his mouth in rolls covered with saliva. On the same principle as 
" Tenterden steeple being the cause of Goodwin sands," the lampas has been 
regarded as the cause of this imperfect mastication. If we look farther, 
however, we shall almost invariably find that the gums are swelled gene- 
rally, and particularly the membranous tissues covering the lower jaw-bone, 
between the molar and incisor teeth ; so much so, that when the horse at- 
tempts to masticate, this membrane gets between the molar teeth and 
causes pain, and interrupts the process of mastication. This state of the 
parts is often overlooked, and the horse becomes weak and thin from not 
having sufficient nutriment. This disease, if it can be called so, u? com- 
monly termed the Bags, or Washes, and is relieved by cutting off a portion 
of the membrane by means of a pair of scissors ; the bleeding relieves the 
inflammation, and the cicatrization of the wound causes the membrane to 
contract, so as to be put out of the way of further injury from the teeth. 
The horse should have mashes for some days after the operatioa and care 
must be taken that the bit does not injure the denuded part 



PROCESS OF TEETHING. 



K) 



Fig. 14. 



The space beneath between the jaw-bones, called the channel, 
is of considerable consequence. It may be a little too wide, and 
then the face will have a clumsy appearance : but if it is too 
narrow, the horse will never be able to bend his head freely and 
gracefully ; he will be always pulling or boring upon the hand, 
nor can he possibly be well reined in. 

The jaws contain the teeth, which are the millstones employed 
in comminuting the food. The mouth of the horse at five years 
old contains forty teeth, viz. : six nippers or cutting-teeth in front, 
a tush on each side, and six molars, or grinding-teeth, above and 
below. The gums are singularly compact, that it may not be 
wounded by the hard or sharp particles of the food, and almost 
devoid of feeling, for the same purpose. 

Seven or eight months before the foal is born, the germs 01 
beginnings of the teeth are visible in the cavities of the jaws. 
At the time of birth, the first and second 
grinders have appeared, large compared with 
the size of the jaw, and seemingly filling it. 
In the course of seven or eight days the two 
central nippers are seen as in Fig. 14. They 
likewise appear to be large, and to fill the 
front of the mouth ; although they will af- 
terwards be found to be small, compared with 
the permanent teeth that follow. In the course 
of the first month the third grinder appears 
above and below, and, not long after, and gen- 
erally before six weeks have expired, another 
incisor above and below will be seen on each 
side of the two first, which have now considerably grown, but 
not attained their perfect height. The second cut will represent 
the appearance of the mouth at that time. 

At two months, the central nippers will have reached their 
natural level, and between the second and Fig. 15. 

third month the second pair will have 
overtaken them. They will then begin to 
wear away a little, and the outer edge, 
which was at first somewhat raised and 
sharp, is brought to a level with the inner 
one, and so the mouth continues until 
some time between the sixth and ninth 
month, when another nipper begins to ap- 
pear on each side of the two first, making 
six above and below, and completing the 
colt's mouth ; after which, the only ob- 
servable difference, until between the sec- 
ond and third year, is in the wear of these teeth. See Fig. 15 

F 





1^2 



PROCESS OF TEETHING. 



The teeth are covered with a polished and exceedingly hard 
substance, called the enamel. It spreads over that portion of 
the teeth which appears above the gum, and not only so. bul as 
they are to be so much employed in nipping the grass, and gath- 
ering up the animal's food, and in such employment even this 
hard substance must be gradually worn away, a portion of it, 
as it passes over the upper surface of the teeth, is bent inward, 
and sunk into the body of the teeth, and forms a little pit in 
them. The inside and bottom of this pit being blackened by 
the food, constitutes the mark of the teeth, by the gradual dis- 
appearance of which, in consequence of the wearing down of 
the edge, we are enabled, for several years, to judge of the age 
of the animal. 

The colt's nipping-teeth are rounded in front, somewhat hol- 
low towards the mouth, and present at first a cutting surface, 
with the outer edge rising in a slanting direction above the inner 
edge. This, however, soon begins to wear down until both sur- 
faces are level, and the mark, which was originally long am', 
narrow, becomes shorter, and widei, and fainter. At six months 
the four nippers are beginning to wear to a level. The annexed 
cut will convey some idea of the appearance of the teeth at 
twelve months. The four middle teeth are almost level, and 
the corner ones becoming so. The mark in the two middle 

teeth is wide and faint ; in the two next 
teeth it is darker, and longer, and nar- 
rower ; and in the corner teeth it is 
darkest, and longest, and narrowest. 

The back teeth, or grinders, will 
not guide us far in ascertaining the 
age of the animal, for we cannot ea- 
sily inspect them ; but there are some 
interesting particulars connected with 
them. The foal is born with two 
grinders in each jaw, above and be- 
low ; or they appear within three or 
four days after the birth. Before the 
expiration of a month they are suc- 
ceeded by a third, more backward. 
The crowns of the grinders are entirely covered with enamel on 
the top and sides, but attrition soon wears it away from the top, 
and there remains a compound surface of alternate layers of 
crusted petraser, enamel, and ivory, which are employed in 
grinding down the hardest portion of the food. Nature has, 
therefore, made an additional provision for their strength and 
endu r ance. 



Fig. 16. 




PROCESS OF TEETHING. 



123 



The five dark 



Fig. 17. 




Fie. 18. 



Fig. 17 represents a grinder sawed across, 
spots represent bony matter ; the parts 
covered with lines, enamel ; and the 
wiiite spaces, a strong bony cement, 
uniting the other portions of the teeth. 

At the completion of the first year, a 
fourth grinder usually comes up, and 
the yearling has then, or soon after- 
wards, six nippers, and four grinders 
above and below in each jaw, which, 
with the alteration in the appearance 
of the nippers that we have just described, will enable us to cal- 
culate nearly the age of the foal, suject to some variations aris- 
ing from the period of weaning, and the nature of the food. 

At the age of one year and a-half, the mark in the central 
nippers will be much shorter and 
fainter ; that in the two other pairs 
will have undergone an evident 
change, and all the nippers will be 
flat. 

At two years this will be more 
manifest. The accompanying cut 
(Fig. 18,) deserves attention, as giv- 
ing an accurate represention of the 
nippers in the lower jaw of a two- 
year&-old colt. 

About this period a fifth grinder 
will appear, and now, likewise, will 
commence another process. The 
first teeth are adapted to the size and wants of the young animal. 
They are sufficiently large to occupy and fill the colt's jaws ; but 
when these bones have expanded with the increasing growth of 
the animal, the teeth are separated too far from each other to be 
useful, and another and larger set is required . The second teeth 
then begin to push up from below, and the fangs of the first are 
absorbed, until the former approach the surface of the gum, 
when they drop out. Where the temporary teeth do not rise 
immediately under the milk-teeth, but by their sides, the latter 
being pressed sideway, are absorbed throughout their whole 
length. They grow narrow, are pushed out of place, and cause 
inconvenience to the gums, and sometimes the cheek. They 
are then called wolf's-teeth, and they should be extracted.* 

The teeth which first appeared are first renewed, and there- 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Although irregularities of the teeth sometimes 
occur, as mentioned in the text, yet the wolves' teeth are generally two 
very small supplementary teeth appearing in front of the molar teeth » and, 




124 



PROCESS OF TEETHING. 



fore the front or first grinder is changed at the age of twn 
years. 

During the period between the falling out of the central milk 
nippers, and the coming up of the permanent ones, the colt, 
having a broken mouth, may find some difficulty in grazing. If 
he should fall away considerably in condition, he should be fed 
with mashes and corn, or cut feed. 

The next cut (Fig. 19,) will represent a three-year-old mouth. 
The central teeth are larger than the others, with two grooves 
in the outer convex surface, and the mark is long, narrow, deep 
and black. Not having yet attained their full growth, they are 
rather lower than the others. The mark in the two next nip- 
pers is nearly worn out, and it is wearing away in the corner 
nippers. Is it possible to give this mouth to an early two-years- 
old ? The ages of all horses used to be reckoned from May, but 
some are loaled even so early as January, and being actually 
four months over the two years, if they have been well nursed 
and fed, and are strong and large, they may, with the inexperi- 
enced, have an additional year put upon them. The central 



Fig. 19. 



nippers are punched or drawn 
out, and the others appear three 
or four mouths earlier than they 
otherwise would. In the natu- 
ral process, they could only rise 
by long pressing upon, and caus- 
ing the absorption of, the first 
set. But opposition from the 
first set being removed, it is 
easy to imagine that their pro- 
gress will be more rapid. Three 
or four months will be gained 
in the appearance of the teeth, 
and these three or four months 
may enable the breeder to term 
him a late colt of a preceding year. To him, however, who is 
accustomed to horses, the general form of the animal — the little 
development of the fore-hand — the continuance of the mark on 
the next pair of nippers — its more evident existence in the cor- 
ner ones, some enlargement or irregularity about the gums from 
the violence used in forcing out the teeth — the small growth of 
the first and fifth grinders and the non-appearance of the sixth 

though supposed to have an injurious effect on the eyes, we have rarely, if 
ever, found that they produce any injurious effect, either on the eyes or the 
mouth, and, consequently, it is useless to interfere -with them. When, how- 
ever, the teeth grow irregularly, the permanent ones appearing by the side 
of the temporary, the latter should be removed. 




PROCESS OF TEETHING. 



125 



Fig. 20. 



grinder, which if it is not through the gam at three years oJd, is 
swelling- under it, and preparing to get through — any or all of 
these circumstances, carefully attended to, will be a sufficient 
security against deception. 

A horse at three years old ought to have the central perma- 
nent nippers growing — the other two pairs wasting — six grind- 
ers in each jaw, above and below — the first and fifth level with 
the others, and the sixth protruding. The sharp edge of the 
new incisors, although it could not be well expressed in the cut, 
will be very evident when compared with the neighboring teeth. 

As the permanent nippers wear, and continue to grow, a nar- 
rower portion of the cone-shaped tooth is exposed to the attrition, 
and they look as if they had been compressed, but it is not so. 
The mark, of course, gradually disappears as the pit is worn 
away. 

At three years and a half, or between that and four, the next 
pair of nippers will be changed, and the mouth at that time 
cannox be mistaken. The central nippers will have attained 
nearly their full growth. A vacuity will be left where the 
second stood, or they will begin to peep above the gum, and the 
corner ones will be diminished in breadth, worn down, and the 
mark becoming small and 
faint. At this period, like- 
wise, the second pair of grind- 
ers will be shed. Previously 
to this may be the attempt of 
the dealer to give to his three- 
year-old an additional year, 
but the fraud will be detected 
by an examination similar to 
that which has been already 
described. 

At four years, the central 
nippers will be fully devel- 
oped ; the sharp edge some- 
what worn off, and the mark 
shorter, wider, and fainter. The next pair will be up, but they 
will be small, with the mark deep, and extending quite across 
them. The corner nippers will be larger than the inside ones, 
yet smaller than they were, and flat, and the mark nearly 
effaced. The sixth grinder will have risen to a level with the 
others, and the tushes will begin to appear. 

Now, more than at any other time, will the dealer be anxious 
to put an additional year upon the animal, for the difference 
between a four-years-old colt, and a five-years-old horse, in 
strength, utility, and value, is very great; but, the want of 




126 



PROCESS OF TEETHING. 



wear in the other nippers — the small size of the corner ones — 
the little growth of the tush — the smallness of the second grinder 
— the low fore-hand — the legginess of the colt, and the thick- 
ness and little depth of the mouth, will, to the man of common 
experience among horses, at once detect the cheat. 

The tushes (see Fig. 13,) are four in number, two in each 
jaw, situated between the nippers and the grinders — much 
nearer to the former than the latter, and nearer in the lower jaw 
than in the upper, but this distance increasing in both jaws with 
the age. It is conical, protrudes about an inch from the gum, 
and is sharp pointed and curved. Mares have the rudiments of 
them, and they usually appear externally in old age. 

The appearance of the tush in the horse may vary from four 
years to four years and six months. It can only be accelerated a 
few weeks by cutting the gum over it. 

At four years and a half, or between that and five, the last im- 
portant change takes place in the mouth of the horse. The cor- 
ner nippers are shed, and the , permanent ones begin to appear. 
The central nippers are considerably worn, and the next pair are 
commencing to show marks of usage. The tush has now pro- 
truded, and is generally a full half-inch in height ; externally it 
has a rounded prominence, with a groove on either side, and it is 
evidently hollowed within. The reader needs not to be told that 
after the rising of the corner nipper, the animal changes its 
name — the colt becomes a horse, and the filly a mare. 

At five years the horse's mouth is almost perfect, (see Fig. 21.) 
Fig 21. The corner nippers are quite up, 

with the long deep mark irreg- 



ular on the inside ; and the 
other nippers bearing evident 
tokens of increasing wearing. 
The tush is much grown — the 
grooves have almost or quite 
disappeared, and the outer sur- 
face is regularly convex. It is 
still as concave within, and with 
the edge nearly as sharp as it 
was six months before. The 
sixth molar is quite up, and the 
third molar is wanting. This 
last circumstance, if the general 
appearance of the animal, and particularly his forehead and the 
wearing of the centre nippers, and the growth and shape of the 
tushes, are likewise carefully attended to, will prevent deception 
if a late fbur-years-old is attempted to be substituted for a Hyh 
The nippers may be brought up a few months before their time 




PROCESS OF TEETHING 



127 




and the tushes a few weeks, but the grinder is with difficulty 
displaced. The three last grinders and the tushes are nevei 

shed. 

At six years, (see Fig. 22,) Fl S- 22 - 

the mark on the central nip- 
pers is worn out, There will 
still be a difference of color 
in the centre of the tooth. 
The cement filling up the 
hole, made by the dipping in 
of the enamel, will present a 
browner hue than the other 
part of the tooth, and it will 
be evidently surrounded by 
an edge of enamel, and there 
will even remain a little de- 
pression in the centre, and 
also a depression round the 
case of enamel : but the deep hole in the centre of the teeth with 
the blackened surface which it presents, and the elevated edge 
of enamel, will have disappeared. Persons not much accus- 
tomed to horses have been puzzled here. They expected to find 
a plain surface of a uniform color, and knew not what conclu- 
sion to draw when there was both discoloration and irreg- 
ularity. , c . 

In the next incisors the mark is shorter, broader and fainter ; 
and in the corner teeth the edges of the enamel are more regular, 
and the surface is evidently worn. The tush has attained its full 
growth, being nearly or quite an inch in length ; convex outward, 
concave within ; tending to a point, and the extremity some- 
what curved.- The third grinder is fairly up ; and all the grind- 
ers are level. .. . 

The horse may now be said to have a perfect mouth. All the 
teeth are produced, fully grown, and have hitherto sustained no 
material injury. During these important changes oi the teeth, 
the animal has suffered less than could be supposed possible. In 
children, the period of teething is fraught with danger. Dogs 
are subject to convulsions, and hundreds of them die, from the 
irritation caused by the cutting or shedding of their teeth ; but 
the horse appears to feel little inconvenience. The gums and 
palate are occasionally somewhat hot and swollen; but the 
politest scarification will remove this. The teeth of the horse 
we more necessary to him than those of the other animals are 
to them The child may be fed, and the dog will bolt his food ; 
but that of the horse must be well ground down, or the nutri- 
ment cannot be extracted from it. 



128 



PROCESS OF TEETHING. 



At seven years, (see Fig. 23,) the mark, in the way in which 
p- 2g we have described it, is worn 

out in the four central nip- 
pers, and fast wearing away 
in the corner teeth ; the tush 
also is beginning to be altered. 
It is rounded at the point ; 
rounded at the edges ; still 
round without ; and begin- 
ning to get round inside. 

At eight years old, the tush 
is rounder in every way ; the 
mark is gone from all the 
bottom nippers, and it may 
almost be said to be out of 
the mouth. There is nothing 
remaining in the bottom nippers that can afterwards clearly 
6how the age of the horse, or justify the most experienced ex- 
aminer in giving a positive opinion. 

Dishonest dealers have been said to resort to a method of pro- 
longing the mark in the lower nippers. It is called bishoping, 
from the name of the scoundrel who invented it. The horse 
of eight or nine years old, (see Fig. 24,) is thrown, and with an 
engraver's tool a hole is dug in the now almost plain surface 




Fig. 24. 



of the corner teeth, and in 
shape and depth resembling 
the mark in a seven-years-okl 
horse. The hole is then 
burned with a heated iron, 
and a permanent black stain 
is left. The next pair of 
nippers are sometimes light- 
ly touched. An ignorant 
man would be very easily 
imposed on by this trick : but 
the irregular appearance of 
the cavity — the difliision of 
the black stain around the 
tushes, the sharpened edges 

and concave inner surface of which can neve]- be given again 

the marks on the upp;r nippers, together with the general con- 
formation of the horse can never deceive the careful examiner 

Horsemen, after the animal is eight years old, are accustomed 
to look to the nippers- .n the upper jaw, and some conclusion has 
been drawn from the appearances which they present. It cannot 




PROCESS OF TEETHING. 1^9 

be doubted that the mark remains in them for some years after 
it has been obliterated from the nippers in the lower jaw. 

There are various opinions as to the intervals between the dis- 
appearance of the marks from the different cutting-teeth in the 
upper jaw. Some have averaged it at two years, and others at 
one. The author is inclined to adopt the latter opinion, and then 
the age will be thus determined . at nine years, the mark will 
be worn out from the middle nippers — from the next pair at ten, 
and from all the upper nippers at eleven. During these periods, 
the tush is likewise undergoing a manifest change — it is blunter, 
shorter, and rounder In what degree this takes place in the 
different periods, iong and most favorable opportunities for obser- 
vation can alone enable the horseman to decide. 

The alteration in the form of the tushes is frequently uncertain. 
It will sometimes be blunt at eight, and at others, remain pointed 
at eighteen. 

After eleven, and until the horse is very old, the age may be 
guessed at, with some degree of confidence, from the shape of the 
upper surface or extremity of the nippers. At eight, they are all 
oval, the length of the oval running across from tooth to toooth ; 
but as the horse gets older, the teeth diminish in size — and this 
commencing in their width, and not in their thickness. They 
become a little apart from each other, and their surfaces become 
round instead of oval. At nine, the centre nippers are evidently 
so ; at ten, the others begin to have the oval shortened. At 
eleven, the second pair of nippers are quite rounded ; and at 
thirteen, the corner ones have that appearance. At fourteen, the 
faces of the central nippers become somewhat triangular. At 
seventeen, they are all so. At nineteen, the angles begin to wear 
off, and the central teeth are again oval, but in a reversed direc- 
tion, viz., from outward, inward ; and at twenty-one, they all 
wear this form. 

It would of course be folly to expect anything like certainty in 
an opinion of the exact age of an old horse, drawn from the above 
indications. Stabled horses have the marks sooner worn out than 
those that are at grass, and crib-biters still sooner. At nine or 
ten. the bars of the mouth become less prominent, and their reg- 
ular diminution will designate increasing age. At eleven or 
twelve, the lower nippers change their original upright direction, 
and project forward or horizontally, and become of a yellow color. 

The general indications of old age, independent of the teeth, 
are deepening of the hollows over the eyes ; gray hairs, and par- 
ticularly over the eyes and about the muzzle ; thinness and hang- 
ing down of the lips; sharpness of the withers; sinking of the 
oack ; lengthening of the quarters ; and the disappearance of 
windgalls. spavins, and tumors of every kind. 



130 DISEASES OF THE TEETH. 

Horses, kindly and not prematurely used, sometimes live to be- 
tween thirty-five and forty years of age ; and Mr. Percivall gives 
an account of a barge horse that died in his sixty-second year.* 



DISEASES OF THE TEETH. 

Of the diseases of the teeth in the horse, we know little. Ca- 
rious or hollow teeth are occasionally, but not often, seen ; but 
the edges of the grinders, from the wearing off of the enamel, or 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — We have little to add. There are exceptions, 
however, to the above rules. We have known a horse at twelve exhibit 
the same appearance as another at six. In such instances, the age must be 
judged by the length and shape of the teeth, and more particularly by the 
shape of the faces of the teeth. 

A careful examination leads me to believe that the observation in the text, 
that the teeth are developed much earlier in young animals that are corn- 
fed and taken early into the stable, and that in thorough-bred horses, conse- 
quently, the changes of the teeth are earlier than in animals that remain 
more in a state of nature, is erroneous. I think them, of the two, rather 
more backward. Many successful attempts have doubtless been made to 
run four year old horses for three year olds, as in the celebrated case of 
Running Rein, which obtained such notoriety. An incisor tooth, when it is 
first shed, and for some time afterwards, is higher on the outer or front 
edge, than the inner or back edge. After some time, this outer edge is worn 
down to the same level as the inner, and subsequently both edges wear 
equally, till the bottom of the hole which forms the mark is reached, when, 
of course, the mark disappears. It takes about three years to effect this 
process, that is, from the time the tooth is cut to the disappearance of the 
mark. In a four year old mouth, there are four permanent lower incisors, 
and two corner temporary teeth. The outer and inner edge of the central 
teeth are tolerably level, and the mark smaller than the middle teeth next 
them, which present the appearance of younger teeth. Now, in a three-year 
old mouth the central teeth have a younger appearance, the mark being 
larger, and the outer edge higher, than the inner, whilst the middle teeth 
are either in the act of being cut, or the temporary teeth have not yet dis- 
appeared. By careful examination, therefore, the difference between a three 
and four year old horse can be readily detected. The permanent teeth 
differ from the temporary, being larger, less white, and having more depth 
above the gums. 

After the marks have disappeared, the age of the horse may be judged 
partly by the shape of the faces of the teeth, and partly by the horizontal 
position in which the teeth proceed from the jaw. If we take a young in- 
cisor tooth and saw it off below the bottom of the hole which forms the 
mark, and again at a similar distance lower down, we shall find that the 
several surfaces made by the sections resemble the shape of the face of the 
tooth in a horse in which a similar quantity of the tooth has been naturally 
worn down. The comparison also holds good with regard to the direction in 
whirl) the teeth proceed from the lower jaw, being in the young animal up- 
rufht or curved, and in the old one nearly horizontal. Although the teeth 
grow to supply the loss of that which wears away, yet the original shape 
remains, so that the face of an incisor tooth at different periods is owing to 
that particular part which, in its turn, reaches and forms the surface. 



THE TONGUE. 131 

the irregular growth of the teeth, become rough, and wound the 
inside of the cheek ; it is then necessary to adopt a summary, but 
effectual method of cure ; namely, to rasp them smooth. Many 
bad ulcers have been produced in the mouth by neglect of this. 

The teeth sometimes grow irregularly in length — particularly 
the grinders — from not meeting the proper opposition of the cor- 
responding tooth in the other jaw. These sometimes penetrate 
the bars, causing ulceration ; and at others, interfere partially 01 
entirely with the grinding motion of the jaw. The teeth should 
be reduced to the level of the others with a saw, and occasionally 
looked to, because the difficulty will return. Horses often pine 
away from this unsuspected cause. Every horse that grows thin 
without apparent cause, especially if he quids, (partly chews and 
then drops his feed) should be looked to in this particular. Very 
irregular teeth lessen the value of a horse, and to all intents and 
purposes constitute unsoundness. 

Decayed teeth should be removed to prevent injury to the other 
teeth and to the jaw. The hammer and punch should never be 
resorted to in this operation, but a keyed instrument, like that of 
the human subject, only on a larger scale.* 

Fever, cough, catarrhal affections generally, disease of the eyes, 
cutaneous affections, diarrhoea, dysentery, loss of appetite, and 
general derangement, will frequently be traced by the careful 
observer to irritation from teething, in the colt. 

It is a rule scarcely admitting of the slightest deviation, that, 
when young horses are laboring under any febrile affection, the 
mouth should be examined, and if the tushes are prominent and 
pushing against the gums, a crucial (in the form of a cross) inci- 
sion should be made across them. Relief will often be immediate. 



THE TONGUE. 

The tongue is the organ of taste. It is also employed in dis- 
posing the food for being ground between the teeth, and after- 
wards collecting it together, and conveying it to the back part of 
the mouth, in order to be swallowed. It is likewise the main 
instrument in swallowing, and the canal through which the water 
passes in the act of drinking. Its form, attachments. &c, are 
too well known to require description. 

* The keyed instrument is now banished from human practice, and the 
substitutes for it might probably be advantageously introduced into veteri- 
nary practice. — American Editor. 



132 DISEASES OF THE TONGUE THE SALIVARY GLANDS. 



DISEASES OF THE TONGUE. 

The tongue is frequently lacerated by carelessness in adminis- 
tering medicine, by the bit, and sometimes by being bitten by the 
animal itself. A little diluted tincture of myrrh, or alum dis- 
solved in water, or, if the wound is not serious, unassisted nature, 
will heal the parts. 

Purple-colored vesicles or bladders will sometimes appear along 
the under side of the tongue, and increase to considerable size ; 
the tongue will be enlarged so that it becomes difficult to swallow ; 
and a great quantity of ropy saliva will drivel from the mouth. 
Lance the vesicles freely and deeply from end to end and they 
will soon disappear, and any little fever that remains may be 
subdued by cooling medicine. 

THE SALIVARY GLANDS. 

In order that the food may be properly comminuted preparatory 
to digestion, it is necessary that it should be previously moistened. 
Nature has made a provision for this. She has placed in the 
neighborhood of the mouth various glands to secrete, and that 
plentifully, a limpid fluid, somewhat saline to the taste. This 
fluid is conveyed from the glands into tlie mouth, by various ducts, 
in the act of chewing, and, being mixed with the food, renders 
it more easily ground, more easily passed afterwards into the 
stomach, and better fitted for digestion. 

The principal of these is the parotid gland (see Fig. 12). The 
quantity of fl uid poured into the mouth, in the act of mastication, 
from each >i" these glands, amounts to a pint in half an hour. 

The paiotid gland sympathizes with every inflammatory affec- 
tion of the upper part of the throat, and therefore it is found 
swollen, hot, and tender, in almost every catarrh or cold. The 
catarrh is to be treated in the usual way ; while a stimulating 
application, almost amounting to a blister, well rubbed over the 
gland, will best subdue the inflammation of that body. 

In bad strangles, and, sometimes, in violent cold, this gland 
will be much enlarged and ulcerated, or an obstruction will take 
place in some part of the duct, and the accumulating fluid will 
burst the vessel, and a fistulous ulcer will be formed that will be 
very difficult to heal. A veterinary surgeon alone will be com- 
petent to the treatment of either case ; and the principle by 
which he will be guided, will be to heal the abscess in the gland 
as speedily as he can, and, probably, by the application of the 
heated iron : or, if the ulcer is in the duct, either to restore the 
passage through the duct, or to form a new one, or to cut ofF the 
flow ol the saliva by the destruction o^ the gland. 



STRANGLES. 133 

A second source of the saliva is from the submaxillary glands, 
or the glands under the jaw. One of them is represented at s, 
Fig. 12. When the horse has catarrh or cold, these glands, like 
the parotid gland, enlarge. This is often to be observed after 
strangles, and several distinct kernels are to be felt under the jaw. 
The farriers call them vives, and often adopt cruel and absurd 
methods to disperse them, — as burning them with a lighted can- 
dle, or hot iron, or even cutting them out. They will, in the 
majority of instances, gradually disperse in proportion as the dis- 
ease which produced them subsides ; or they will yield to slightly 
stimulating embrocations ; or, if they are obstinate in their con- 
tinuance, they are of no further consequence, than as indicating 
that the horse has labored under severe cold or strangles. 

During catarrh, the little protuberances marking the mouths 
of these ducts on either side of the bridle of the tongue, are apt 
to enlarge, and the mouth under the tongue is a little red, and 
hot, and tender. The farriers call these swellings barbs or paps ; 
and a.s soon as they discover them, mistaking the effect of disease 
for the cause of it, they set to work to cut them close off. The 
bleeding that follows this operation somewhat abates the local 
inflammation, and affords temporary relief; but the wounds will 
not speedily heal, and even when healed are apt to break out 
again for months or years afterwards. These paps disappear 
with the cold that caused them, and should not be meddled with. 

The sublingual glands, resembling little folds in the integu- 
ment on the lower side of the tongue, or on the bottom of the 
mouth, sometimes enlarge during catarrh, and are called gigs, 
bladders, ox flaps in the mouth. Let them alone ; and should 
any ulceration remain after that abatement of the swelling, use 
tincture of myrrh, or a solution of alum. 

STRANGLES* 

This is a disease principally incident to young horses — usually 
appearing between the fourth and fifth year, and oftener in the 
spring than in any other part of the year. It is preceded by 
cough, and can at first be scarcely distinguished from common 
cough, except that there is more discharge from the nostril, of a 
yellowish color, mixed with pus, and generally without smell 
There is likewise a considerable discharge of "ropy fluid from the 
mouth, and greater swelling than usual under the throat. This 
swelling increases with uncertain rapidity, accompanied by some 
(ever, and disinclination to eat, partly arising from the fever, but 
more from the pain which the animal feels in the act of niaati 

* Usually termed " Horse Jistnnjier,'' in the United States. 



134 STRANGLES 

cation. There is considerable thirst, but after a gulp or two 
the horse ceases to drink, yet is evidently desirous of contin ling 
his draught. In the attempt to sWaUow, and sometimes when 
not drinking, a convulsive cough comes on, which almost threat- 
ens to suffocate the animal — and thence, probably, the name of 
the disease. 

The tumor is under the jaw, and about the centre of the 
channel. It soon fills the whole of the space, and is evidently 
one uniform body, and may thus be distinguished from glanders, 
or the enlarged glands of catarrh. In a few days it becomes 
more prominent and soft, and evidently contains a fluid. This 
rapidly increases ; the tumor bursts, and a great quantity of 
pus is discharged. As soon as the tumor has broken, the 
cough subsides, and the horse speedily mends, although some 
degree of weakness may hang about him for a considerable 
time. Few horses, possibly none, escape its attack ; but, the 
disease having passed over, the animal is free from it for the 
remainder of his life. Catarrh may precede, or may predispose 
to, the attack, and, undoubtedly the state of the atmosphere has 
much to do with it, for both its prevalence and its severity are 
connected with certain seasons of the year and changes of the 
weather. There is no preventive for the disease, nor is there 
anything contagious about it. Many strange stories are told 
with regard to this ; but the explanation of the matter is, that 
when several horses in the same form, or in the same neighbor- 
hood, have had strangles at the same time, they have been ex- 
posed to the same powerful but unknown exciting cause. 

As soon as the tumor under the jaw is decidedly apparent, 
the part should be actively blistered. From the thickness of 
skin, poultices, fomentations, &c, are of little avail. The blis- 
ter will also abate the internal inflammation and soreness of 
the throat, and thus lessen the cough and wheezing. 

As soon as the swelling is soft on its summit, and evidently 
contains matter, it should be freely and deeply lanced. It is a 
bad, although frequent practice, to suffer the tumor to burst 
naturally, for a ragged ulcer is formed, very slow to heal, and 
difficult of treatment. If the incision is deep and large enough, 
no second collection of matter will be formed : and that which 
is already there may be suffered to run out slowly, all pressure 
with the fingers being avoided. The part should be kept clean, 
and a little friar's balsam daily injected into the wound. 

The remainder of the treatment will depend on the symp- 
toms. If there is much fever, and evident affection of the 
chest, and which should carefully be distinguished from the 
oppression and choking occasioned by the pressure of the tumor 
it will be proper to bleeJ In th^ majority of cases, however 



THE PHARYNX. 135 

bleeding will not only be unnecessary, but injurious. It will delay 
the suppuration of the tumor, and increase the subsequent 
debility. A few cooling medicines, as nitre, emetic tartar, and 
perhaps digitalis, may be given, as the case requires. The appe- 
tite, or rather the ability to eat, will return with the opening of 
the abscess. Bran-mashes, or fresh-cut-grass or tares, should be 
liberally supplied, which will not only afford sufficient nourish- 
ment to recruit the strength of the animal, but keep the bowels 
gently open. If the weakness is not great, no farther medicine 
will be wanted, except a dose of mild physic in order to prevent 
the swellings or eruptions which sometimes succeed to strangles. 
In cases of debility, a small quantity of tonic medicine, as 
chamomile, gentian, or ginger, may be administered.* 



THE PHARYNX. 

Proceeding to the back of the mouth, we find the pharynx 
{carrying or conveying the food towards the stomach). It com- 
mences at the root of the tongue (see 7, 8 and 9, Fig. 3.) ; is 
separated from the mouth by the soft palate (7), which hangs 
down from the palatine bone at 8, and extends to the epiglottis 
or covering to the windpipe. 

In order to understand the diseases of these parts, the anatomy 
of the neck generally must be considered. 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — A blister is, unque. tionably, the best topical 
application ; but it should be washed off as soon a* it rises, by which means 
it can be repeated in a day or two, and so the action can be kept up, which 
will greatly promote the suppurative process. After the abscess is lanced, 
a linseed poultice will be a very desirable application ; and, with regard to 
injections, they may be omitted without injury. Although the ages from 
two to five are the usual period for strangles to appear, yet it occasionally 
attacks old animals ; we have, indeed, known it affect a horse sixteen years 
old, and within the last month an animal eight years old, but such instances 
are rare. 

It is a very desirable thing in strangles to get the submaxillary abscess 
to form and suppurate without much delay ; for when it is suppressed, or 
does not form in this place, there is sometimes danger to be apprehended ; 
occasionally, abscesses will form internally, and carry off the patient. The 
symptoms of these untoward cases are an unthrifty coat, occasional shiver 
ing tits, and a pulse rather accelerated. 

When the glands remain hard, and do not suppurate, the disease is fre- 
quently termed bastard strangles, and may lead to glanders. The use 
of iodine, applied externally as an ointment, and internally as hydriodate 
of potass, in daily doses of five to ten grains combined with tonics, will be 
found useful. 



CHAPTER V. 



THE ANATOMY AND DISEASES OF THE NECK AND NEIGH- 
BORING PARTS. 

The neck of the horse, and of every animal belonging to the 
class mammalia, except one species, is composed of seven bones 
called vertebra, movable or turning upon each other (see Fig. 1). 
They are connected together by strong ligaments, and form sc 
many distinct joints, in order to give sufficiently extensive motion 
to this important part of the body. The atlas has already been 
described. Its junction with the head is the seat of a very serious 
and troublesome ulcer, termed 

POLL-EVIL. 

From the horse rubr rig and sometimes striking his poll against 
the lower end of the manger, or hanging back in the stall and 
bruising the part wiln the halter — or from the frequent and pain- 
ful stretching of the ligaments and muscles by unnecessary tight 
reining, and, occasionally, from a violent blow on the poll, in- 
flammation ensues, and a swelling appears, hot, tender, and pain- 
lid. It used to be a disease of frequent occurrence, but it is now, 
from better treatment of the animal, of comparatively rare oc- 
currence. 

It has been stated, that the ligament of the neck passes over 
the atlas, or first bone, without being attached to it, and the seat 
of inflammation is between the ligament and the bone beneath ; 
and being thus deeply situated, it is serious in its nature and dif- 
ficult of treatment. 

The first thing to be attempted is to abate the inflammation 
by bleeding, physic, and the application of cold lotions to the 
part. In a very early period of the case a blister might have 
considerable effect. Strong purgatives should also be employed 
By these means the tumor will sometimes be dispersed. This 
system, however, must not be pursued too far. V the swelling 
increases, and the heat and tenderness likewise increase, mattei 



POLL-EVIL. 137 

will form in the tumor ; and then our object should be to hasten 
its formation by warm fomentations, poultices, or stimulating 
embrocations. As soon as the matter is formed, which may be 
known by the softness of the tumor, and before it has time to 
spread around and eat into the neighboring parts, it should be 
evacuated. Now comes the whole art of treating poll-evil ; the 
opening into the tumor must be so contrived that all the matter 
shall run out, and continue afterwards to run out as quickly as 
it is formed, and not collect at the bottom of the ulcer, irritating 
and corroding it. This can be effected by a seton alone. The 
needle should enter at the top of the tumor, penetrate through 
its bottom, and be brought out at the side of the neck, a little 
below the abscess. Without anything more than this, except 
frequent fomentation with warm water, in order to keep the part 
clean, and to obviate inflammation, poll-evil in its early stage 
will frequently be cured. 

If the ulcer has deepened and spread, and threatens to eat into 
the ligaments of the joints of the neck, it may be necessary to 
stimulate its surface, and perhaps painfully so, in order to bring 
it to a healthy state, and dispose it to fill up. In extreme cases, 
some highly stimulating application may be employed. All 
measures, however, will be ineffectual, unless the pus or matter 
is, by the use of setons, perfectly evacuated. The application of 
these setons will require the skill and anatomical knowledge of 
the veteiinary surgeon. In desperate cases, the wound cannot 
be fairly exposed to the action of the caustic without the division 
of the ligament of the neck. This may be effected with perfect 
safety ; for although the ligament is carried on to the occipital 
bone, and some strength is gained by this prolongation of it, the 
main stress is on the second bone ; and the head will continue to 
be supported. The divided ligament, also, will soon unite again, 
and its former usefulness will be restored when the wound is 
healed.* 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — All cooling amplications to the poll-evil are use- 
less, for when once the swelling which constitutes the disease has appeared 
we have never known it dispersed, but sooner or later it suppurates. It 
often takes many months before the matter reaches the surface ; but the 
more complete the suppuration is, the easier it is to effect a cure. The in- 
jury, which generally arises from striking the poll against a low door-way, 
is deep-seated, and the surface of the bone is often diseased from the 1 e- 
ginning. 

It must be confessed that the poll-evil is very difficult to cure, a difficulty 
arising not from the character of the injury, but rather from its situation, and 
the nature of the surrounding parts. When matter forms in any situation 
it has a tendency to pass downwards, and to seek an exit where the least 
obstacles are offered to its passage. Tt consequently forms passages or 
sinuses (pipes) amongst the muscles, and, when these are filled, the matter 
points to the surface. This tendency continues after an external opening i» 



MUSCLES AND FORM OF NECK. 



THE MUSCLES AND PROPER FORM OF THE NECK 

The bones of the neck serve as the frame- work to which mi 
merous muscles concerned in the motions of the head and neck 
are attached. The weight of the head and neck is supported by 
the ligament without muscular aid, and without fatigue to the 
animal ; but in order to raise the head higher, or to lower it, or 
to turn it in every direction, a complicated system of muscles is 
necessary. 

The splenitis muscle (c. Fig. 12) is the principal one concerned 
in this. It gives its bulk to the neck above, and the beauty of 
that member depends mainly upon it. It was admirably devel- 
oped in the horse of whose neck the annexed cut (Fig. 25) gives 
an accurate delineation. 



Fig. 25. 




made, and deep sinuses are formed in various directions, rendering it almost 
impossible to get a depending opening. 

The abscess should not be opened till the matter is thoroughly formed, 
and then a depending opening should be made, through which a seton may 
be passed. The great error frequently made in the treatment of poll-evil is, 
that these openings are not made half large enough, so that much of the 
pus flows in another direction, and there forms sinuses. Now, the chief art 
in the treatment of this disease is to use the bistoury freely, to lay all the 
sinuses open as much as possible, and to throw them together ; then to make 
the lower opening extremely large, and as low down as possible, large 
enough, indeed, for two fingers to be inserted. If the bone is injured, it will 
be necessary to apply some caustic application, in order to cause a healthy 
slough. Pressure is found very useful in keeping the sides of the wound 
together, and preventing the formation of sinuses. With this view, r 1 ^as 
been recommended to apply a tight compress, by means of bandages, round 
the part, but it h extremely inconvenient to apply them in consequence of 
the windpipe interfering. 



MUSCLES AND FORM OF NECK. 139 

If the curve were quite regular from the poll to the withers, 
we should call it a perfect neck. It is rather a long neck, and 
we do not like it the less for that. In the carriage-horse, a neck 
that is not half concealed by the collar is indispensable, so far as 
appearance goes ; and it is only the horse with a neck of tolera- 
ble length that will bear to be reined up, so as to give this part 
the arched and beautiful appearance which fashion demands. It. 
is no detriment to the ridmg-horse, and there are few horses of 
extraordinary speed that have not the neck rather long. The 
race-horse at the top of his speed not only extends it as far as he 
can, that the air-passages may be as straight as he can make 
them, and that he may therefore be able to breathe more freely, 
but the weight of the head and neck, and the effect increasing 
with their distance from the trunk, add materially to the rapidity 
of the animal's motion. It has been said, that a horse with a long 
neck will bear heavy on the hand ; neither the length of the neck 
nor even the bulk of the head has any influence in causing this. 
They are both counterbalanced by the power of the ligament of 
the neck. The setting on of the head is most of all connected 
with heavy bearing on the hand, and a short-necked horse will 
bear heavily, because, from the thickness of the lower part of the 
neck, consequent on its shortness, the head cannot be rightly 
placed, nor, generally, the shoulder. 

However fine at the top, the neck should be muscular at the 
bottom, or it generally indicates a weak and worthless animal. 
It is then called a loose neck. 

The principal bulk of the lower part of the neck is composed 
of the complexus major, or larger complicated muscle. If its 
action is habitually too powerful, the muzzle is protruded, and 
the horse becomes what is technically called a star-gazer. He 
is heavy in hand, and even the martingale will not ordinarily 
remedy the difficulty. 

Connected with this is another unsightly deformity. The horse 
is ewe-necked ; i. e. the neck is hollowed above, and arched be- 
low. His head can never be fairly got down, and the bearing 
rein of harness is a source of constant torture to him. 

The mane is a matter of some importance. In a wild state, 
the horse has many battles to fight, and his neck, deprived of the 
mane, would be a vulnerable part. The hair of the mane, the 
tail, and the legs, is not shed in the same manner as that on the 
body. It does not fall so regularly, nor so often ; for, if all were 
shed at once, the parts would be for a long time defenceless. 

The mane is generally dressed so as to lie on the right side — 
some persons divide it equally on both sides. For ponies, it used 
to be cut off near the roots, only a few stumps being left to stand 
perpendicularly. This was termed the hog-mane. The groom 



140 BLOOD-VESSELS AND VEINS OF THE NECK. 

sometimes bestows a great deal of pains in getting the mane of 
his horse into good and fashionable order. It is wetted, and 
plaited, and loaded with lead ; and every hair that is a little 
too long is pulled out. The mane and tail of the heavy draught- 
horse are seldom thin ; but on the well-bred horse, the thin, 
well-arranged mane is very ornamental 

THE BLOOD-VESSELS OF THE NECK. 

Running down the under part of the neck, are the principal 
blood-vessels, going to and returning from the head, with the 
windpipe and gullet. Our cut could not give a view of the 
arteries that carry the blood from the heart to the head, because 
they are too deeply seated. The external arteries are the carotid, 
of which there are two. They ascend the neck on either side, 
close to the windpipe, until they have reached the middle of 
the neck, where they sometimes diverge, and lie more deeply. 

The vertebral arteric* run through the bones of the neck, 
supplying the neighboring parts as they climb, and at length enter 
the skull at the large hole in the occipital bone, and ramify 
on and supply the brain. 

It is rarely or never necessary to bleed from an artery. If an 
artery is opened in the direction in which it runs, there is usually 
great difficulty in stopping the bleeding, and it is sometimes ne- 
cessary to tie the vessel to accomplish this : if cut across, it re- 
tracts, and after the first gush of blood, no more is obtained. 

THE VEINS OF THE NECK. 

The external veins which return the blood from the head to 
the heart are the jugulars. The horse has but one on either 
side. The human being and the ox have two. The jugular 
takes its rise from the base of the skull ; it then descends, receiv- 
ing other branches in its way towards the angle of the jaw and 
behind the parotid gland ; and emerging from that, as seen at t, 
Fig. 12, and being united to a large branch from the face, it takes 
its course down the neck. Veterinary surgeons and horsemen 
have agreed to adopt the jugular, a little way below the union 
of these two branches, as the usual place for bleeding ; and a 
very convenient one it is, for it is easily got at, and the vessel 
is large. The manner of bleeding, &c, will hereafter be adverted 
to. (See page 1G6.) 



INFLAMMATION OF THE VEIN. 141 



INFLAMMATION OF THE VEIN. 

It is usual and proper, after bleeding, to bring the edges of the 
wound carefully together, and to hold them in contact by insert- 
ing a pin through the skin, with a little tow twisted round it. 
In ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, the wound quickly heals, 
and gives no trouble ; but in a few instances, from using a blunt 
instrument, or a dirty or rusty one ; or striking too hard, and 
bruising the vein ; or, in the act of pinning up, pulling the 
skin too far from the neck, and suffering some blood to insinu- 
ate itself into the cellular texture ; or neglecting to tie the 
horse up for a little while, and thus enabling him to rub the 
bleeding place against the manger and tear out the pin ; or 
from the animal being worked immediately afterward ; or the 
reins of the bridle rubbing against it ; or several blows having 
been clumsily given, and a large and ragged wound made ; or 
from some disposition to inflammation about the horse (for the 
bleeder is not always in fault) the wound does not heal, or, if it 
closes for a little while, it re-opens. A slight bleeding appears 
— some tumefaction commences — the edges of the orifice sepa- 
rate, and become swollen and red — a discharge of sanious, bloody 
fluid proceeds from the wound, followed, perhaps, in a few days, 
by purulent matter. The neck swells, and is hot and tender 
both above and below the incision. The lips of the wound be- 
come everted — the swelling increases, particularly above the 
wound, where the vein is most hard and cordy — the horse begins 
to loathe his food, and little abscesses form round the orifice. 
The cordiness of the vein rapidly increases. Not only the vein 
itself has become obstructed and its coats thickened, but the cel- 
lular tissue inflamed and hardened, and is an additional source of 
irritation and torture. 

The thickening of the vein extends to the bifurcation above : 
it occupies both branches, and extends downward to the chest — 
even to the very heart itself, and the patient dies. 

Of the means of cure it is difficult to speak confidently. The 
wound should be carefully examined — the divided edges brought 
into exact apposition, and any hair interposed between them re- 
moved — the pin withdrawn or not, according to circumstances — 
the part carefully and long fomented, and a dose of physic admin- 
istered. If two or three days have passed and the discharge still 
remains, the application of the budding-iron — not too large or too 
not — may produce engorgement of the neighboring parts, and union 
of the lips of the wound. This should be daily, or every second 
day, repeated, according to circumstances. A blister applied over 
the orifice, or as far as the mischief extends, will often be sex- 



142 THE PALATE LARYNX. 

vioeable. Here, likewise, the parts will be brought into contact 
with each other, and pressed together, and union may be effected. 

The owner of the horse will find it his interest to apply to a 
veterinary practitioner as soon as a case of inflamed vein occurs. 

Should the vein be destroyed, the horse will not be irrepara- 
bly injured, and perhaps at no great distance of time, scarcely 
njured at all.* 1 

THE PALATE— (resumed). 

At the back of the paiate (see Fig. 3), and attached to the 
crescent-shaped border of the palatine bone, is a dense membra- 
nous curtain, called the velum palati, so arranged that the horse 
can breathe through his nostrils alone, and in the act of vomiting, 
the contents of the stomach are ejected the same way, and not 
by the mouth. On this account it is, and on account of the struc- 
ture of the entrance of the stomach, that the horse can with great 
difficulty be excited to vomit. 

THE LARYNX 

Is placed on the top of the windpipe (see 1, Fig. 3) and is the 
inner guard of the lungs, if any injurious substance should pene- 
trate so far ; it is the main protection against the passage of food 
into the respiratory tubes, and it is at the same time the instru- 
ment of voice. 

The Epiglottis (see 2, Fig. 3), is a heart-shaped cartilage, 
placed at the extremity of the opening into the windpipe, with 
its back opposed to the pharynx, so that when a pellet of 
food passes the pharynx in its way to the oesophagus, it presses 
down the epiglottis, and by this means, as already described, 
closes the aperture of the larynx, and prevents any food from 
entering it. The food having passed over the epiglottis, from 

* JVote by Mr. Spooner. — This disease sometimes occurs when bleeding 
has been performed with the utmost care and skill. 

The course of treatment which a considerable experience of the disease 
has induced us to adopt, is to avoid all setons, and dissecting out the vein, 
and above all, caustic injection, which we have known to produce a fatal 
result. First allay the superficial inflammation by cold applications, and 
then blister the part, washing off the effects of the blister the following day, 
and repeating it several times. The ointment of iodine may be alternated 
with the blister to advantage. During this time, the horse's head should 
be tied up to the rack, and he should be fed on such food as will not require 
any considerable action of the jaws, such as bran mashes, scalded oats, car- 
rots, and but very little hay. In a few weeks the swelling will become re- 
duced, the blood find new channels, and the horse will become as useful as 
ever. We have never known this treatment to fail. In a few instances it 
may be necessary to apply the iron to the edges of the wound, and use 
other methods to stop bleeding. 



WLNDPIFE TRACHEOTOMY. 143 

its own elasticity and that of the membrane at its base, and 
more particularly the power of the hyo-epiglotideus muscle, 
rises again and resumes its former situation. 

The Thyroid Cartilage (see 1, Fig. 3) occupies almost the 
whole of the external part of the larynx, both anteriorly and 
laterally. It envelops and protects all the rest. 

THE TRACHEA OR WINDPIPE. 

The windpipe is composed of an elastic cartilage, divided intc 
rings (50 or 52), sufficiently firm to resist ordinary pressure, and 
united together by means of an interposed highly elastic fibro- 
ligamentous substance, which, in effect, constitutes a joint be- 
tween each ring, giving the necessary flexibility to all its mo- 
tions, and admitting of elongation when the head is stretched up- 
ward or downward. 

It is indisputable that the windpipe should be prominent and 
loose on the neck, in the horse from which active exertion is re- 
quired, and which consequently is subjected to hurried respiration. 
It is not commonly found thus in large slow beasts, like the cart- 
horse, nor is it necessary. 

TRACHEOTOMY. 

It has been found that when obstructions, not speedily re- 
movable enough for safety, occur in the windpipe of the horse, 
a portion of the trachea may be safely removed, on or below the 
point of obstruction, to admit of the continuance of respiration. 

The operation must be performed while the horse is standing, 
and secured by a side-line, for he would, probably, be suffocated 
amidst the struggles with which he would resist the act of 
throwing. The twitch is then firmly fixed on the muzzle ; the 
operator stands on a stool or pail, by which means he can more 
perfectly command the part, and an assistant holds a scalpel, a 
bistoury, scissors, curved needles armed, and a moist sponge. 

The operator should once more examine the whole course of 
the windpipe, and the different sounds which he will be able tc 
detect by the application of the ear, and likewise the different 
degrees of temperature and of tenderness which the finger will 
detect, will guide to the seat of the evil. 

The hair is to be closely cut off from the part, the skin tight- 
ened across the trachea, with the thumb and fingers of the left 
hand, and then a longitudinal incision cautiously made through 
the skin, three inches in length. This is usually effected when 
there is no express indication to the contrary on the fifth and 
sixth rings ; a slip from which, and the connecting ligament 



H4 THE BRONCHIAL TUBES. 

above and below, about half the width of each ring:, should be 
excised with the intervening ligament. The remaining; portion 
will then be strong enough to retain the perfect arched form of 
the trachea. 

If the orifice is only to be kept open while some foreign body 
is extracted, or tumor removed, or ulcer healed, or inflammation 
subdued, nothing more is necessary than to keep the lips of the 
wound a little apart, by passing some thread through each, and 
slightly everting them, and tying the threads to the mane. 

If, however, there is any permanent obstruction, a tube will 
be necessary. It should be two or three inches long, curved at 
the top, and the external orifice turning downwards with a little 
ring on each side, by which, through the means of strings, it 
may be retained in its situation. 

The purpose of the operation being answered, the flaps of in- 
tegument must be brought over the wounds, the edges, if neces- 
sary, diminished, and the parts kept in apposition by a few 
stitches. The cartilage will be perfectly reproduced, only the 
rings will be a little thicker and wider. 

THE BRONCHIAL TUBES. 

After the windpipe has entered the chest, and continued 
through the mediastinum to the base of the heart, it divides 
into two tubes — the Bronchial tubes — whicl> enter each lung, 
where they are again subdivided into smaller tubes carrying air 
to every portion and cell of the lungs. Before considering their 
diseases, we will pause and consider the structure and functions 
of the chest. 



CHAPTER VI. 



THE CHEST. 



Fig. 26. 




a The first rib. 

b The cartilages of the eleven hindermost, or false ribs, connected together and 

uniting with that of the seventh or last true rib. 
c The breast-bone. 
d The top, or point, of the withers, which are formed by the lengthened spinous, 

or upright processes of the ten or eleven first bones of the back. The 

bones of the back are eighteen in number. 
e The ribs, usually eighteen on each side ; the seven first united to the breast- 
bone by cartilage; the cartilages of the remaining eleven united to 

each other, as at b. 
f That portion of the spine where the loins commence, and composed of five 

bones. 
g The bones forming the hip, or haunch, and into the hole at the bottom of 

which the head of the thigh-bone is received. 
The portion of the spine belonging to the haunch, and consisting of five 

pieces. 
The bones of the tail, usually fifteen in number. 

The chest, in the horizontal position in which it is placed in 
the cut, is of a somewhat oval figure, with its extremities trun- 
cated (cut off). The spine is its roof; the sternum, or breast, 
its floor ; the ribs, its sides ; the trachea, oesophagus, and great 
blood-vessels passing" through its anterior extremity and the dia- 
phragm, being its posterior. It is contracted in front, broad and 
deep towards the central boundary, and again contracted pos- 
teriorly- It encloses the heart and the lungs, the origin of the 
J 10 a 



I !6 THE CHEST. 

arterial and the termination of the venous trunks and the col 
?eeted vessels of the absorbents. The windpipe penetrates into 
it, and the oesophagus traverses its whole extent. 

Most ingeniously and admirably is this whole structure con- 
trived to fill its various purposes. 

The ribs are eighteen in number on either side. Nine of 
them are perfect, and commonly called the true, or, more 
properly, sternal ribs, extending from the spine to the sternum. 
The remaining nine are posterior and shorter, and are only indi- 
rectly connected with the sternum. 

The ribs are united to the corresponding vertebrae, or bones of 
the spme, so as to form perfect joints — or, rather, each rib forms 
two joints. Before the ribs reach the sternum, they terminate in a 
cartilaginous prolongation. The cartilage is united to the ribs 
and sternum by joints, and the cartilages of the posterior ribs 
are united to them in the same manner. 

The sternum, or breast-bone, is a long, flat, spongy bone, form- 
ing the floor of the chest. It supports the ribs by the connect- 
ing cartilage. It is composed of from seven to nine pieces 
united together by cartilage. The point of the breast-bone is 
occasionally injured by blows, and has even been completely 
broken off. A kind of tumor on it, difficult to heal, has also 
been produced by some cruelty or violence. 

The front of the chest is a very important consideration in 
the structure of the horse. It should be prominent and broad, 
and full, and the sides of it well occupied. When the breast is 
narrow, the chest has generally the same appearance : the 
animal is flat-sided, the proper cavity of the chest is diminished, 
and the stamina of the horse are materially diminished, although, 
perhaps, his speed for short distances may not be affected. 
When the chest is narrow, and the fore-legs are too close to- 
gether, in addition to the want of bottom, they will interfere 
with each other, and there will be wounds on the fetlocks, and 
bruises below the knee. 

A chest too broad is not desirable, but a fleshy and a prominent 
one : yet even this, perhaps, may require some explanation. 
When the fore-legs appear to recede, and to shelter themselves 
under the body, there is a faulty position of the fore limbs, a 
bend, or standing over, an unnatural lengthiness about the fore 
parts of the breast, sadly disadvantageous in progression. 

The Intercostal Muscles. — The spaces between the ribs are 
occupied by muscles firmly attached to their edges, the fibres of 
which cross each other in the form of the letter X. By the pro- 
longation thus obtained, they have a muoh greater latitude of 
action, than they would have if they run straight from rib to rib 

The ribs, while thev protect the importanl viscera of the tho- 



PROPER FOR.M OF THE CHEST. 147 

rax from injury, are powerful agents in extending and contract- 
ing the chest in the alternate inspiration and expiration of air. 

The Proper Form of the Chest. — This leads to a very im- 
portant consideration, the most advantageous form of the chest 
for the proper discharge of the natural or extraordinary functions 
of the thoracic viscera. The contents of the chest are the 
luno's and the heart : — the first, to render the blood nutrient and 
stimulating, and to give or restore it to that vitality which will 
enable it to support every part of the frame in the discharge of 
its function, and devoid of which, the complicated and beautiful 
machine is inert and dead ; and the second, to convey this puri- 
fied arterialized blood to every part of the frame. 

In order to produce, and to convey to the various parts, a suf- 
ficient quantity of blood, these organs must be large. If it 
amounts not to hypertrophy, the larger the heart and the larger 
the lungs, the more rapid the process of" nutrition, and the more 
perfect the discharge of every animal function. 

Then it might be imagined that, as a circle is a figure which 
contains more than any other of equal girth and admeasurement, 
a circular form of the chest would be most advantageous. Not 
exactly so ; for the contents of the chest are alternately expand- 
ing and contracting. The circular chest could not expand, but 
every change of form would be a diminution of capacity. 

That form of chest which approaches nearest to a circle, while 
it admits of sufficient expansion and contraction, is the best — 
certainly for some animals, and for all under 'peculiar circum- 
stances, and with reference to the discharge of certain functions. 
This was the grand principle on which Mr. Bakewell proceeded, 
and on which all our improvements in the breeding of cattle 
were founded. 

In the heavy draft-horse, the circular chest is no disadvantage, 
and it gives him, what we require, weight to oppose the weight 
of his load. Speed is not demanded of him. 

Some of our saddle-horses and cobs have barrels round enough, 
and we value them on account of it, for they are always in con- 
dition, and they rarely tire. But when we look at them more 
carefully, there is just that departure from the circular form of 
which mention has been made — that happy medium betweer 
the circle and the ellipse, which retains the capacity of the on< 
and the expansibility of the other. Such a horse is invaluable foi 
common purposes, but he is seldom a horse of speed. If he is per- 
mitted to go his own pace, and that not a slow one, he will work 
on forever ; but if he is too much hurried, he is soon distressed 

The Broad Deep Chest. — Then for the usual purposes of the 
road, and more particularly for rapid progression, search is made 
for that form of the chest which shall unite, and to as great a 



148 FORM OF CHEST 

degree as possible, considerable capacity in a quiescent state, and 
the power of increasing that capacity when the animal requires 
it. There must be the broad chest for the production of muscles 
and sinews, and the deep chest, to give the capacity or power 
of furnishing arterial blood equal to the most rapid exhaustion 
of vitality. 

This form of the chest is consistent with lightness, or at least 
with all the lightness that can be rationally required. The 
broad-chested horse, or he that, with moderate depth at the 
girth, swells and barrels out immediately behind the elbow, may 
have as light a forehead and as elevated a wither as the horse 
with the narrowest chest ; but the animal with the barrel ap- 
proaching too near to rotundity is invariably heavy about the 
shoulders and low in the withers. It is to the mixture of the 
Arabian blood that we principally owe this peculiar and advan- 
tageous formation of the chest of the horse. The Arab is light ; 
some would say too much so before : but immediately behind the 
arms the barrel almost invariably swells out, and leaves plenty 
of room, and where it is most wanted for the play of the lungs, and 
at the same time where the weight does not press so exclusively 
on the fore-legs, and expose the feet to concussion and injury. 

Many horses with narrow chests, and a great deal of daylight 
under them, have plenty of spirit and willingness for work. 
They show themselves well off, and exhibit the address and 
gratify the vanity of their riders on the parade or in the park, 
but they have not the appetite nor the endurance that will carry 
them through three successive days' hard work. 

Five out of six of the animals that perish from inflamed lungs, 
are narrow-chested. There are many other important points, 
but that which is most of all connected with the general health 
of the animal, and with combined fleetness or bottom, is a deep, 
and broad, and swelling chest, with sufficient lengthening of the 
sternum, or breast-bone, beneath.* 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — In speedy animals the chest is, no doubt, more 
capacious than in slower ones, and a greater quantity of atmospheric air is 
inspired, so as to afford a full supply for the purpose of respiration. This 
large capacity is gained, however, not by the greater rotundity of the chest, 
but by its increased depth and length, more particularly the former. It is 
very evident that a circular chest must present a very unfavorable surface 
for the attachment of the shoulder blade, and, indeed, must induce a rolling 
action which is inimical to speed ; thus we find that animals with very cir- 
cular chests, and with their fore-legs, in consequence, wide apart, are by no 
means speedy, but have a great predisposition to the accumulation of fat. 
In such animals a considerable quantity of fat is generally found round the 
heart and in other parts of the chest, so that, in point of fact, animals witb 
circular cheats have smaller lungs than those with deep and flat ribs. It is 
fixtr?mely desirable for a cart-horse to have a circular chest, as this de 



THE SPINE. 149 

The above remarks show the impropriety of tight-girthing, 
particularly where it is less necessary, as in the stable, or when 
the rider is off from the saddle. 

A point of consequence is the length of the carcase and the 
ribbing home. If the horse has to carry a heavy weight, and 
has much work to do, he should be well ribbed home, i. e. 
there should be but little space between the last rib and the hip- 
bone. 

If speed, however, is required, there must be room for the full 
action of the hinder limbs ; and this can only exist where there 
is sufficient space between the last rib and the hip-bone. 

The thorax, or chest, is formed by the spine f, above (Fig. 
26) the ribs e, on either side ; and the sternum, or breast-bone, 
c, beneath. 

THE SPINE AND BACK. 

The spine, or back, consists of a chain of bones from the poll 
to the extremity of the tail. It is made of twenty-three bones 
from the neck to the haunch ; eighteen, called dorsal vertebrce, 
composing the back ; and five lumbar vertebrce, occupying the 
loins. The structure and attachments of these are remarkably 
well calculated for easiness of carriage and strength. The hun- 
ter will carry a heavy man through a long chase without great 
fatigue or strain ; but if the horse is over- weighted, or tasked too 
long, or too suddenly pulled upon his haunches, the ligaments 
uniting the vertebrae are strained, inflammation follows, and the 
ligaments become changed to bone. From hard service, and 
especially from being used too young, very many horses have 
some of the bones of the back or loins anchylosed — i. e. united 
by bony matter in the place of the natural ligament. When 
this exists to any considerable extent, the horse becomes un- 
pleasant to ride, turns with difficulty in his stall, is indisposed 
to lie down, or being down, to rise, and has a singular straddling 
action. 

The length of the back deserves attention. The long-backed 
horse will be easier in his paces, because the spring is longer ; 
and he is formed for speed, for there is more room to bring his 
hinder legs under him. But he will be comparatively weak in 
the back, and more easily over- weighted. 

For general purposes the horse with a short carcase, also, is to 
be preferred, as possessing greater health and hardiness. He will 
have sufficient easiness of action not to fatigue the rider, and speed 

notes a disposition to make flesh, and thus to economize food ; and, for the 
same reason, in other horses, a rather circular abdomen is approved of — in 
fact, one neither too wide nor too flat is the most desirable. 



l£>0 THE LOINS WITHERS. 

for every ordinary purpose. Length of back will always be de 
sirable when there is more than usual substance generally, and 
particularly when the loins are wide, and the muscles of the loins 
large and swelling. The two requisites, strength and speed, will 
then probably be united. 

The back should be depressed a little immediately behind the 
withers ; and then continue in an almost straight line to the loins. 
This is the form most consistent with beauty and strength. Some 
horses have a very considerable hollow behind the withers. They 
are said to be saddle-backed. Such horses are evidently easy 
goers, but in the same proportion, they are weak and liable to 
sprain. 

A few horses have the curve outward. They are said to be 
roach-backed, from the supposed resemblance to the arched back 
of a roach. This is a very serious defect ; — altogether incompati- 
ble with beauty, and materially diminishing the usefulness of the 
animal. It is almost impossible to prevent the saddle from being 
thrown on the shoulders, or the back from being galled ; — the 
elasticity of the spine is destroyed ; — the rump is badly set on ; — 
the hinder legs are too much under the animal ; — he is contin- 
ually overreaching, and his head is carried awkwardly low. 



THE LOINS. 

The loins are attentively examined by every good horseman 
They can scarcely be too broad and muscular. The strength of 
the back, and especially the strength of the hinder extremities, 
will depend materially on this. The union of the back and loins 
should be carefully observed, for there is sometimes a depression 
between them. A kind of line is drawn across, which shows im- 
perfection in the construction of the spine, and is regarded as an 
indication of weakness. 



THE WITHERS. 

The spinous processes of the vertebrae, above the upper part 
of the shoulder, form the elevated ridge called the withers. (See 
Figs. 1 and 26.) 

High withers have been always, in the mind of the judge of 
the horse, associated with good action, and generally with speed. 
The reason is plain enough : — they afford larger surface for the 
attachment of the muscles of the back ; and in proportion to the 
elevation of the withers, these muscles act with greater advan- 
tage. And as the rising of the fore-parts depends not only upon 
the muscles of the legs and shoulders, but on certain ones connect- 



FISTULOUS WITHERS WARBLES, SITFASTS, ETC. 151 

ing the loins and the spinous processes, the longer the arm of the 
lever to which the power is applied, the easier and to the greatei 
height will the weight be carried up. Good and high action* 
and speed, will not, therefore, be often found without this con- 
formation. 



FISTULOUS WITHERS. 

When the saddle has been suffered to press long upon the 
withers, a tumor will be formed, hot and exceedingly tender. 
It may sometimes be dispersed by the cooling applications recom- 
mended in the treatment of poll-evil ; but if, in despite of these, 
the swelling should remain stationary, and especially if it should 
become larger and more tender, warm fomentations and poultices, 
and stimulating embrocations, should be diligently applied, in or- 
der to hasten the formation of pus. As soon as that can be fairly 
detected, a seton should be passed from the top to the bottom of 
the iumor, so that the whole of the matter may be evacuated, 
and continue to be discharged as it is afterwards formed ; or the 
knife may be freely used, in order to get at the bottom of every 
sinus. The knife has succeeded many a time when the st ton has 
failed. The after treatment must be precisely that which was 
recommended for a similar disease in the poll. 

In neglected fistulous withers the ulcer may be larger and 
deeper, and more destructive than in poll-evil. It may burrow 
beneath the shoulder blade, and the pus may appear at the point 
of the shoulder or the elbow ; or the bones of the withers may 
become carious. 

WARBLES, SITFASTS, AND SADDLE GALLS. 

On other parts of the back, tumors and very troublesome ul- 
cers may be produced by the same cause. Those resulting from 
the pressure of the saddle are called ivarbles, and, when they ul- 
cerate, they frequently become sitfasts. Warbles are small 
circular bruises, or extravasations of blood, where there has 
been an undue pressure of the saddle or harness. If a horse is 
subject to these tumors, the saddle should remain on him two or 
three hours after he has returned to the stable. It is only for a 
certain time, however, that this will perfectly succeed, for by the 
frequent application of the pressure, the skin and the cellular 
substance are bruised or otherwise injured, and a permanent sore 
or tumor, of a very annoying description, takes place. The cen- 
tre of the sore gradually loses its vitality. A separation takes 
place from the surrounding integument, and there is a circular 
piece of dried and hard skin remaining in the centre. No effort 



152 CHEST-FOUNDER. 

must be made to tear or dissect it off, but stimulating poultices 
or fomentations, or, if these fail, a mild blister will cause a speedy 
separation ; and the wound will then readily heal hy the use of 
turpentine dressings, more or less stimulating, according to cir- 
cumstances. 

Saddle galls are tumors, and sometimes galls or sores, arising 
also from the pressure and chafing of the saddle. They differ 
little from the warble, except that there is very seldom the sep- 
aration of the dead part in the centre, and the sore is larger and 
varying in its form. The application of cold water, or salt and 
water, will generally remove excoriations of this kind. 

CHEST-FOUNDER. 

The muscles of the breast are occasionally the seat of an ob- 
scure disease, called by the old farriers anticor and chest-founder. 
The horse has considerable stiffness in moving, evidently not ref- 
erable to the feet. There is tenderness about the muscles of the 
breast, and, occasionally, swelling. I believe it to be nothing 
more t ] ian rheumatism, produced by improper exposure. Some- 
times a considerable degree of fever accompanies this ; but bleed- 
ing, physic, a rowel in the chest, warm embrocations over the 
parts affected, warm stabling, and warm clothing, with occasional 
doses of antimonial powder, will soon subdue the complaint.* 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — The absorption or diminution of the muscles of 
the chest, alluded to in the text, and which used to be denominated chest 
founder, is neither more nor less than disease in the feet (the navicular dis- 
ease, in fact), and which, existing in both feet, prevents the fore-legs being 
exercised to the same extent as before ; and, consequently, the muscles, from 
being partially thrown out of use, become, to a certain extent, absorbed. 

By the term anticor, we rather understand an abscess in the breast, 01 
brisket, to which some horses are liable. It is a rare disease, and more Ire 
quently attacks heavy-chested horses. Foreign horses are more subject t 
\his disease than English ones. 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE CONTENTS OF THE CHEST. 

THE THYMUS GLAND. 

At the entrance of the trachea into the thorax, and situated 
in the doubling of the anterior mediastinum, is an irregular 
glandular body, called the thymus gland, or " sweet-bread." It 
conveys a peculiar albuminous fluid to the veins, but its use in 
the system is unknown. 

THE DIAPHRAGM. 

The interposed curtain extending across the cavity of the chest, 
between the thorax and abdomen, is called the diaphragm (mid- 
rifF). It is an irregular muscular expansion, proceeding from the 
inferior surface of the lumbar vertebrae posteriorly and superiorly, 
adhering to the ribs on either side, and extending obliquely for- 
ward and downward to the sternum ; or, rather it is a flattened 
muscle arising from all these points, with its fibres all converging 
towards the centre, and terminating there in an expansion of 
tendinous substance. It is lined anteriorly by the pleura or in- 
vesting membrane of the thoracic cavity, and posteriorly by the 
peritoneum or investing membrane of the abdominal cavity. 

The diaphragm is the main agent, both in ordinary and extra- 
ordinary respiration ; it assists also in the expulsion of the urine, 
and it is a most powerful auxiliary in the act of parturition. 

It is subject to injury and disease of a serious and varied char- 
acter. Whatever may be the original seat of thoracic or abdom- 
inal ailment, the diaphragm soon becomes irritable and inflamed. 
This accounts for the breathing of the horse being so much af- 
fected under every inflammation or excitement of the chest or 
belly. The irritability of this muscle is often evinced by a sin 
gular spasmodic action of a portion, or the whole of it. 

Opium should be administered in small doses, together with 
ammonia or nitric ether, and as soon as any reaction is observed, 
have recourse to bleeding. 

g 



154 RUrTURE OF THE DIAPHRAGM— *THE TLEURA. 



RUPTURE OF THE DIAPHRAGM. 

This may sometimes occur from any extraordinary exertion, 
particularly when the stomach is distended with food or gas. 

In rupture of the diaphragm, the horse usually sits on his 
haunches, like a dog ; but this is far from being an infallible 
symptom of the disease. It accompanies introsusception, as well 
as rupture of the diaphragm. [Mr. Youatt gives no remedy, and 
probably the case admits of none.] 



THE PLEURA. 

The walls of the chest are lined, and the lungs are covered, by 
a smooth glistening membrane, the pleura. It is a serous mem- 
brane, so called from the nature of its exhalation, in distinction 
from the mucous secretion yielded by the membrane of the air- 
passages. The serous membrane generally invests the most im- 
portant organs, and always those that are essentially connected 
with life ; while the mucous membrane lines the interior of the 
greater part of them. The pleura is the investing membrane of 
the lungs, and a mucous membrane the lining one of the bronchial 
tubes. 

Among the circumstances principally to be noticed, with regard 
to the pleura, is the polish of its external surface. The glistening 
appearance of the lungs, and of the inside of the chest, is to be 
attributed to the membrane by which they are covered, and by 
means of which the motion of the various organs is freer and less 
dangerous. Although the lungs, and the bony walls which con- 
lain them, are in constant approximation with each other, both 
in expiration and inspiration, yet in the frequently hurried and 
violent motion of the animal, and, in fact, in every act of expi- 
ration and inspiration, of dilatation and contraction, much and 
injurious friction would ensue if the surfaces did not glide freel)' 
over each other by means of the peculiar polish of this membrane. 

Every serous membrane has innumerable exhalent vessels upon 
its surface, from which a considerable quantity of fluid is poured 
out. In life and during health it exists in the chest only as a 
kind of dew, just sufficient to lubricate the surfaces. The pleura 
possesses very little sensibility in health, but it is otherwise when 
it is the seat of disease. In pleurisy, pneumonia, &c, it becomes 
susceptible of intense pain. 

The pleura adheres intimately to the ribs and to the substance 
of the lungs. While the diseases of mucous membranes spread 
to other parts, those of serous membranes are generally isolated 



THE LUNGS HEART. 155 



THE LUNGS. 



The lungs form two distinct bodies, the right somewhat larger 
than the left, and are divided from each other by the duplicative 
of the pleura, which has been already described — the mediasti- 
num. Each lung has the same structure, and properties, and 
uses. Each of them is subdivided, the right lobe consisting of 
three lobes, and the left of two. The intention of these divisions 
is probably to adapt the substance of the lungs to the form of the 
cavity in which they are placed, and to enable them more per- 
fectly to occupy and fill the chest. 

If one of these lobes is cut into, it is found to consist of innu- 
merable irregularly formed compartments, to which anatomists 
have given the name of lobules, or little lobes. They are distinct 
from each other, and impervious. On close examination, they 
can Le subdivided almost without end. There is no communica- 
tion between them, or if perchance such communication exists, it 
constitutes the disease known by the name of broken wind. 

On the delicate membrane of which these cells are composed, 
innumerable minute blood-vessels ramify. They proceed from the 
heart, through the medium of the pulmonary artery — they fol- 
low all the subdivisions of the bronchial tubes — they ramify upon 
the membrane of these multitudinous lobules, and at length return 
to the heart, through the medium of the pulmonary veins, the 
character of the blood which they contain being essentially 
changed. The mechanism of this, and the effect produced, must 
be briefly considered. 

THE HEART. 

The heart is placed between a doubling of the pleura — termed 
the mediastinum; by means of which it is supported in its nat- 
ural situation, and all dangerous friction between these important 
organs is avoided. It is also surrounded by a membrane or bag 
of its own, called the ■pericardium, whose office is of a similar 
nature. By means of the heart, the blood is circulated through 
the frame. 

It is composed of four cavities — two above, called auricles, 
from their supposed resemblance to the ear of a dog ; and two 
below, termed ventricles, occupying the substance of the heart. 
In point of fact, there are two hearts — the one on the left side 
impelling the blood through the frame, the other on the right side 
conveying it through the pulmonary system ; but, united in the 
maimer in which they are, their junction contributes to their nan 



156 DISEASES OF HEART. 

tua] strength and both circulations are carried on at the sanifl 
time. 

The first is the arterial circulation. No function can be dis- 
charged — life cannot exist, without the presence of arterial blood. 
The left ventricle that contains it contracts, and by the power of 
that contraction, aided by other means, which the limits of our 
work will not permit us to describe, the blood is driven through 
the whole arterial circulation — the capillary vessels and the veins 
— and returns again to the heart, but to the right ventricle. The 
other division of this viscus is likewise employed in circulating 
the blood thus conveyed to it, but is not the same fluid which 
was contained in the left ventricle It has gradually lost its vital 
power. As it has passed along, it has changed from red to black, 
and from a vital to a poisonous fluid. Ere it can again convey 
the principle of nutrition, or give to each organ that impulse or 
stimulus which enables it to discharge its function, it must be 
materially changed. 

When the right ventricle contracts, and the blood is driven 
into the lungs, it passes over the gossamer membrane of which 
the lobules of the lungs have been described as consisting ; the 
lobules being filled with the air which has descended through the 
bronchial tubes in the act of inspiration. This delicate mem- 
brane permits some of the principles of the. air to permeate it. 
The oxygen of the atmosphere attracts and combines with a por- 
tion of the superabundant carbon of this blood, and the expired 
air is poisoned with carbonic acid gas. Some of the constituents 
of the blood attract a portion of the oxygen of the air, and obtain 
their distinguishing character and properties as arterial blood, and 
being thus revivified, it passes on over the membrane of the lobes, 
unites into small and then larger vessels, and at length pours its 
full stream of arterial blood into the left auricle, thence to ascend 
into the ventricle, and to be diffused over the frame. 



DISEASES OF THE HEART. 

The best place to examine the beating of the heart is imme- 
diately behind the elbow, on the left side. The hand applied 
flat against the ribs will give the number of pulsations. The 
ear thus applied will enable the practitioner better to ascertain 
the character of the pulsation. The stethoscope affords an un- 
derlain guide, for it cannot be flatly and evenly applied. 

Pericarditis. — The bag, or outer investing membrane of the 
heart (" heart case"), is liable to inflammation, in which the 
effused fluid becomes organized, and deposited in layers, in- 
creasing the thickness of the pericardium, and the difficulty of 
♦ "A expansion and contraction of the heart. The only symptotfii 



DISEASES OF HEAR.T. 157 

on which dependence can be placed, are a quickened and irregu- 
lar respiration ; a bounding action of the heart in an early stage 
of the disease ; but that, as the fluid increases and becomes con- 
crete, assuming a feeble and fluttering character. 

Hydrops Pericardii is the term used to designate the presence 
of the fluid secreted in consequence of this inflammation, and 
varying from a pint to a gallon or more. In addition to the 
symptoms already described, there is an expression of alarm and 
anxiety in the countenance of the animal which no other malady 
produces. The horse generally sinks from other disease, or from 
constitutional irritation, before the cavity of the pericardium is 
rilled ; or if he lingers on, most dreadful palpitations and throb- 
Dings accompany the advanced stage of the disease. It is sel- 
dom or never that this disease exists alone, but is combined with 
dropsy of the chest or abdomen. 

Inflammation of the Lining of the Heart. — Mr. Simpson 
relates, in the Veterinarian for 1834, a case in which there were 
symptoms of severe abdominal pain ; the respiration was much 
disturbed, and the action of the heart took on an extraordinary 
character. Three or four beats succeeded to each other, so vio- 
lently as to shake the whole frame, and to be visible at the dis- 
tance of several yards, with intervals of quietude for five minutes 
or more. At length this violent beating became constant. 

On dissection both lungs were found to be inflamed, the serum 
in the pericardium increased in quantity, and the internal mem- 
brane of the heart violently inflamed, with spots of ecchymosis 
(livid spots occasioned by extravasated blood). 

This would seem to be a case of inflammation of the heart ; 
but in a considerable proportion of the cases of rabies, these 
spots of ecchymosis^ and this general inflammation of the heart, 
are seen. 

Hypertrophy is an augmentation or thickening of the sub- 
stance of the heart ; and although not dreamed of a few years 
a<jo, seems now to be a disease of no rare occurrence among 
horses. The heart has been known to acquire double its natural 
volume, or the auricle and venticle on one side have been thus 
enlarged. 

Dilatation is increased capacity of the cavities of the heart, 
and the parietes being generally thinned. It is probable that 
this is a more frequent disease than is generally supposed ; and 
from the circulating power being lessened, or almost suspended, 
on account of the inability of the cavities to propel their con- 
tents, it is accompanied by much and rapid emaciation. 

Ossification of the heart, air in the heart, and aneu- 
rism of the aorta, sometimes occur. 



153 THE ARTERIES PULSE. 



THE ARTERIES. 

The vessels which carry the blood from the heart are called 
arteries. The yielding of the artery to the gush of blood, forced 
into it by the contraction of the heart, constitutes 



THE PULSE. 

The pulse is a very useful assistant to the practitioner of 
human medicine, and much more so to the veterinary surgeon, 
whose patients cannot describe either the seat or degree of ail- 
ment or pain. The number of pulsations in any artery will 
give the number of the beatings of the heart, and so express the 
irritation of that organ, and of the frame generally. In a state 
of health, the heart beats in a farmer's horse about thirty-six 
times a minute. In the smaller, and in the thorough-bred horse, 
the pulsations are forty or forty-two. This is said to be the 
standard pulse — the pulse of health. It varies singularly little 
in horses of the same size and breed, and where it beats natu- 
rally there can be little materially wrong. The most convenient 
place to feel the pulse, is at the lower jaw (Fig. 1) a little 
behind the spot where the submaxillary artery and vein, and 
\he parotid duct, come from under the jaw. There the number 
of pulsations will be easily counted, and the character of the 
pulse, a matter of fully equal importance, will be clearly ascer- 
tained. Many horsemen put the hand to the side. They can 
certainly count the pulse there, but they can do nothing more. 
We must be able to press the artery against some hard body, as 
the jaw-bone, in order to ascertain the manner in which the 
blood flows through it, and the quantity that flows. 

"When the pulse reaches fifty or fifty-five, some degree of fever 
may be apprehended, and proper precaution should be taken 
Seventy or seventy-five will indicate a dangerous state, and put 
the owner and the surgeon not a little on the alert. Few horses 
long survive a pulse of one hundred, for, by this excessive action 
the energies of nature are speedily worn out. 

Some things, however, should be taken into account in form- 
ing our conclusion from the frequency of the pulse. Exercise, a 
warm stable, and fear, will wonderfully increase the number of 
pulsations. 

When a careless, brutal fellow goes up to a horse and speaks 
hastily to him, and handles him roughly, he adds ten beats per 
minute to the pulse, and will often be misled in the opinion he 
may form of the state of the animal. A judicious person will 
approach the patient gently, and pat and soothe him, and even 



THE PULSE. 169 

then the circulation, probably, will be a little disturbed. He should 
take the additional precaution of noting the number and quality 
of the pulse, a second time, before he leaves the animal. 

If a quick pulse indicate irritation and fever, a slow pulse 
will likewise characterize diseases of an opposite description. 
It accompanies the sleepy stage of staggers, and every malady 
connected with deficiency of nervous energy. 

The heart may not only be excited to more frequent, but 
also to more violent action. It may contract more powerfully 
upon the blood, which will be driven with greater force through 
the arteries, and the expansion of the vessels will be greatei 
and more sudden. Then we have the hard pulse — the sure 
indicator of considerable fever, and calling for the immediate 
and free use of the lancet. 

Sometimes the pulse may be hard and jerking, and yet 
small. The stream though forcible is not great. The heart 
is so irritable that it contracts before the ventricle is properly 
filled. The practitioner knows that this indicates a dangerous 
state of disease. It is an almost invariable accompaniment of 
inflammation of the bowels. 

A weak pulse, when the arterial stream flows slowly, is 
caused by the feeble action of the heart. It is the reverse 
of fever, and expressive of debility. 

The oppressed pulse is when the arteries seem to be fully 
distended with blood. There is obstruction somewhere, and the 
action of the heart can hardly force the stream along, or com- 
municate pulsation to the current. It is the case in sudden 
inflammation of the lungs. They are overloaded and gorged 
with blood, which cannot find its way through their minute 
vessels. This accounts for the well-known fact of a copious 
bleeding increasing a pulse previously oppressed. A portion 
being removed from the distended and choked vessels, the re- 
mainder is able to flow on. 

The state of the pulse should be carefully regarded during 
bleeding. The most experienced practitioner cannot tell what 
quantity of blood must be abstracted in order to produce the 
desired effect. The change of the pulse can alone indicate when 
the object is accomplished ; therefore, the operator should have 
his finger on the artery during the act of bleeding, and, compara- 
tively regardless of the quantity, continue to take blood, until, 
in inflammation of the lungs, the oppressed pulse becomes fuller 
and more distinct, or the strong pulse of considerable fever is 
evidently softer, or the animal exhibits symptoms of faintness 
[See Bleeding.]* 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — The frequency of the pulse is certainly over- 
rated in the text, There is not that difference in the pulsation of the cart- 



] 60 INFLAMMATION. 



INFLAMMATION. 



Local inflammation is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, 
and pain. 

If inflammation consists of an increased flow of blood to and 
through the part, the ready way to abate it is to lessen the 
quantity of blood. All other means are comparatively unirn- 
oortant, contrasted with bleeding. Blood is generally abstracted 
from the jugular vein, and so the general quantity may be 
iessened ; but if it can be taken from the neighborhood of the 
diseased part, it will be productive of tenfold benefit. One quart 
of blood abstracted from the foot in acute founder, by unloading 
the vessels of the inflamed part, and enabling them to contract, 
and, in that contraction, to acquire the tone and power to resist 
future distention, will do more good than five quarts, taken from 
the general circulation. An ounce of blood obtained by scarify- 
ing the swelled vessels of the inflamed eye, will give as much 
relief to that organ as a copious bleeding from the jugular. It is 
a principle in the animal frame which should never be lost sight 
of by the veterinary surgeon, or the horseman, that if by bleeding 
the process of inflammation can once be checked, — if it can be 
suspended but for a little while, — although it may return, it is 
never with the same degree of violence, and in many cases it is 
got rid of entirely. Hence the necessity of bleeding early, and 
bleeding largely, in inflammation of the lungs or of the bowels, 
or of the brain, or of any important organ. Many horses are lost 
for want or insufficiency of bleeding, but we never knew one 
materially injured by die most copious extraction of blood in the 
early stage of acute inflammation. The horse will bear, and 
with advantage, the loss of an almost incredible quantity of 
blood, — four quarts taken from him, will be comparatively little 
more than one pound taken from the human being. We can 
scarcely conceive of a considerable inflammation of any part of 
the horse, whether proceeding from sprains, contusions, or any 
other cause in which bleeding, local (if possible), or general, or 
both, will not be of essential service. 

Next in importance to bleeding, is purging. Something may 

horse and the thoroughbred, as there stated, and 36 or 37 a minute may 
be considered the standard pulse in the latter when in health and free 
from excitement. It is most important to distinguish between the pulse of 
fever and that of inflammation. We may have a pulse of the greatest 
rapidity, as in influenza, and yet no one part of the body much inflamed. 
We have known the pulse of the horse more than trebled, and the animal 
still recover; and, on the other hand, in cases of inflammation, a pulse of 
60 has betokened great danger, and, in some cases, has been succeeded by 
death. 



INFLAMMATION. 161 

be removed from the bowels, the retention of which would 
increase the general irritation and fever. The quantity of blood 
will be materially lessened, for the serous or watery fluid which 
is separated from it by a brisk purge, the action of which in the 
horse continues probably more than twenty-four hours, is enorm- 
ous. While the blood is thus determined to the bowels, less 
even of that which remains will flow through the inflamed 
part. While the purging continues, some degree of languor and 
sickness is felt ; and the force of the circulation is thereby dimin- 
ished, and the general excitement lessened. The importance of 
physic in every case of considerable external inflammation, is 
sufficiently evident. If the horse is laid by for a few days from 
injury of the foot, or sprain, or poll-evil, or wound, or almost any 
cause of inflammation, a physic-ball should be given. 

In cases of internal inflammation, much judgment is required 
to determine when a purgative may be beneficial or injurious. 
In inflammation of the lungs or bowels, it should never be given. 

The means of abating external inflammation are various, and 
seemingly contradictory. The heat of the part very naturally 
and properly led to the application of cold embrocations and lo- 
tions. Heat has a strong tendency to equalize itself, or to leave 
that substance which has a too great quantity of it, or little ca- 
pacity to retain it, for another which has less of it, or more 
capacity. Hence the advantage of cold applications, by which a 
great deal of the unnatural heat is speedily abstracted from the 
inflamed part. The foot laboring under inflammation is put 
into cold water, or the horse is made to stand in water or wet 
clay. Various cold applications are also used to sprains. The 
part is wetted with diluted vinegar, or goulard, or salt and water. 
When benefit is derived from these applications, it is to be at- 
tributed to their coldness alone. Water, especially when cooled 
below the natural temperature, is as good an application as any 
that can be used. Nitre dissolved in water, will lower the tem- 
perature of the fluid many degrees ; but the lotion must be 
applied immediately after the salt has been dissolved. A band- 
age may be afterwards applied to strengthen the limb, but during 
the continuance of active inflammation, it would only confine 
the heat of the part, or prevent it from benefiting by the salu- 
tary influence of the cold produced by the evaporation of the 
water. 

Sometimes, however, we resort to warm fomentations, and if 
benefit is derived from their use, it is to be traced to the warmth 
of the fluid, more than to any medicinal property in it. Warm 
water will do as much good to the horse, who has so thick a 
skin, as any decoction of chamomile, or marsh-mallow, or poppy 
heads, or any nostrum that the farrier may recommend. Fo- 



J 62 INFLAMMATION. 

mentations increase the warmth of the skin, and open the pores 
of it, and promote perspiration, and thus lessen the tension and 
swelling of the part, assuage pain, and relieve inflammation. 
Fomentations, to be beneficial, should be long and frequently 
applied, and at as great a degree of heat as can be used without 
giv ing the animal pain. Poultices are more permanent, or longer- 
continued fomentations. The part is exposed to the influence of 
warmth and moisture for many hours or days without intermis- 
sion, and perspiration being so long kept up, the distended vessels 
will be very materially relieved. The advantage derived from a 
poultice is attributable to the heat and moisture, which, by 
means of it, can be long applied to the skin, and it should be 
composed of materials which will best retain this moisture and 
heat. The bran poultice of the farrier is, consequently, objec- 
tionable. It is never perfectly in contact with the surface of the 
skin, and it becomes nearly dry in a few hours, after which it is 
injurious rather than beneficial. Linseed-meal is a much better 
material for a poultice, for, if properly made, it will remain 
moist during may hours. 

It is occasionally very difficult to decide when a cold or hot 
application is to be used, and no general rule can be laid down, 
except that in cases of superficial inflammation, and in the early 
stage, cold lotions will be preferable ; but, when the inflammation 
is deeper seated, or fully established, warm fomentations will be 
most serviceable. 

Stimulating applications are frequently used in local inflam- 
mation. When the disease is deeply seated, a stimulating appli- 
cation to the skin will cause some irritation and inflammation 
there, and lessen or sometimes remove the original malady : 
hence the use of rowels and blisters in inflammation of the 
chest. Inflammation to a high degree, cannot exist in parts that 
are near each other. If we can excite it in one, we shall abate 
it in the other, and also, by the discharge which we establish 
from the one, we shall lessen the determination of blood to the 
other. 

Stimulating and blistering applications should never be applied 
to a part already inflamed. A fire is not put out by heaping 
more fuel upon it. Hence the mischief which the farrier often 
does by rubbing his abominable oils on a recent sprain, hot and 
tender. Many a horse has been ruined by this absurd treatment. 
When the heat and tenderness have disappeared by the use of 
cold lotions or fomentations, and the leg or sprained part remains 
enlarged, or bony matter threatens to be deposited, it might be 
right to excite inflammation of the skin by a blister, in order to 
rouse the deeper-seated absorbents to action, and enable them to 
take up this deposit ; but, except to hasten the natural process 



FEVER. 163 

and effects of inflammation, a blister, or stimulating application, 
should never be applied to a part already inflamed. 

FEVER. 

Fever is general increased arterial action, either without any 
local affection, or in consequence of the sympathy of the system 
with inflammation in some particular part. 

The first is pure fever. Owing to bad stable management and 
general treatment, and the susceptibility of various parts of the 
horse to take on inflammation, this usually degenerates into in- 
flammation. But pure fever is sometimes seen, and runs its 
course regularly. 

It frequently begins with a cold or shivering fit, although this 
i? not essential to fever. The horse is dull, unwilling to move, 
h»s a staring coat, and cold legs and feet. This is succeeded by 
warmth of the body ; unequal distribution of warmth to the legs ; 
one hot, and the other three cold, or one or more unnaturally 
warm, and the others unusually cold, but not the deathlike cold- 
ness of inflammation of the lungs ; the pulse quick, soft, and 
often indistinct ; the breathing somewhat laborious ; but no 
cough or pawing, or looking at the flanks. The animal will 
scarcely eat, and is very costive. While the state of pure fever 
lasts, the shivering fit returns at nearly the same hour every 
day, and is succeeded by the warm one, and that often by a 
slight degree of perspiration ; and these alternate during several 
days until local inflammation appears, or the fever gradually 
subsides. No horse ever died of pure fever. If he is not destroyed 
by inflammation of the lungs, or feet, or bowels succeeding to 
the fever, he gradually recovers. 

Fever is general increased action of the heart and arteries, and 
therefore evidently appears the necessity for bleeding, regulating 
the quantity of blood by the degree of fever, and usually keeping 
the finger on the artery until some evident and considerable 
impression is made upon the system The bowels should be 
gently opened ; but the danger of inflammation of the lungs, and 
the uniformly injurious consequence of purgation in that disease, 
will prevent the administration of an active purgative. A small 
quantity of aloes may be given morning and night, with the 
proper fever medicine, until the bowels are slightly relaxed, after 
which nothing more of an aperient quality should be administered. 
Digitalis, emetic tartar, and nitre should be given morning and 
night, in proportions regulated by the circumstances of the case. 
The horse should be warmly clothed, but be placed in a cool and 
well- ventilated stable. 

Symptomatic fever is increased arterial action, proceeding from 



164 THE VEINS BOG AND BLOOD SPAVIN. 

some local cause. No organ of consequence can be much disor- 
dered or inflamed without the neighboring parts being disturbed, 
and the whole system gradually participating in the disturbance. 
Inflammation of the feet or of the lungs never existed long or to 
any material extent, without being accompanied by some degree 
of fever. 

The treatment of symptomatic fever should resemble that of 
simple fever, except that particular attention must be paid to 
the state of the part originally diseased. If the inflammation 
which existed there can be subdued, the general disturbance will 
usually cease.* 

THE VEINS. 

These vessels carry back to the heart the blood which had been 
conveyed to the different parts by the arteries. 



BOG AND BLOOD SPAVIN. 

Attached to the extremities of most of the tendons, and be 
tween the tendons and other parts, are little bags containing a 
mucous substance to enable the tendons to slide over each other 
without friction, and to move easily on the neighboring parts. 
From violent exercise these vessels are liable to enlarge. Wind- 
galls and thoroughpins are instances of this. There is one of 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Pure fever does not of necessity require blood- 
letting, and, indeed, will often be removed better without the aid of deple 
tion. The fact is well shown in cases of influenza, where great quickness 
:>f the pulse, with a hot mouth, and other tokens of fever, are present, and 
which symptoms may be often removed without the aid of bleeding. We 
decidedly object to bleeding in those cases of fever attended with a shiver 
ing fit ; and, indeed, we have found that unless the pulse is full and strong, 
it is generally better to avoid bleeding. Fever is far more dependent on 
some irritation of the nervous system than is implied in the text, and bleed- 
ing is often calculated to increase this irritation. The administration of a 
diffusible stimulant that will act on the skin, such as the spirit of nitrous 
ether, is a far better mode of treatment, and will often cut short a case of 
fever, which the abstraction of blood would only prolong. In cases of fever 
the mucous membrane is very frequently in an irritable state, so that a 
purgative will greatly increase such irritation, and should therefore be 
avoided. If the bowels are costive, oily laxatives should be administered, 
and aloes carefully avoided, unless given in a liquid form, and as a single 
■ lose. It is a very dangerous practice to give small doses of aloes until the 
bowels are relaxed, for, from the long period required to relax the bowels 
in the horse, before this effect is produced a quantity will be taken suffi- 
eie..tly to endanger life, and, indeed, death has in many instances occurred 
from this practice. It is better therefore either to abstain altogether from 
giving aloes in such cases, or otherwise confine it to one moderate dose of 
two drachms. 



BOG AND BLOOD SPAVIN 165 

them on the inside of the hock at its bending. This son*ctimes 
becomes considerably increased in size, and the enlargement is 
called a bog-spavin. A vein passes over the bag, which is piess- 
ed between the enlargement and the skin, and the passage of the 
blood through it is impeded ; the vein is consequently distended 
by the accumulated blood, and the distention reaches from this 
bag as low down as the next valve. This is called blood-spavin. 
Blood-spavin then is the consequence of bog-spavin. It very 
rarely occurs, and is, in the majority of instances, confounded with 
bog-spavin. 

Blood-spavin does not always cause lameness, except the horse 
is very hard worked ; but this, as well as bog-spavin, constitutes 
unsoundness, and materially lessens the value of the horse. The 
proper treatment is to endeavor to promote the absorption of the 
contents of the bag. This may be attempted by pressure long 
applied. A bandage may be contrived to take in the whole of 
the hock, except its point ; and a compress made of folded linen 
being placed on the bog-spavin, may confine the principal pres- 
sure to that part. It is, however, very difficult to adapt a 
bandage to a joint which admits of such extensive motion ; 
therefore most practitioners apply two or three successive blisters 
over the enlargement, when it usually disappears. Unfortunately, 
however, it returns if any extraordinary exertion is required from 
the horse.* 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Much error appears to have prevailed with 
regard to bog-spavins. We speak with confidence, and after numerous dis- 
sections, when we say, that this disease does not occur from the distention 
of any mucous bags, and, therefore, there is no possibility of cutting them 
out. A bog-spavin is neither more nor less than a distention of the capsular 
ligament of the joint itself; so that, if we cut into it, we open the joint, and 
endanger the life of the animal. There are different degrees of severity in 
which this disease may exist ; it may be merely an increased secretion of 
synovia, so as to distend the ligament, and in such case it is readily curable ; 
or, it may be, as it more frequently is, a rupture of the connections of the 
ligament with the bones, so as not only to distend, but actually to enlarge, 
the cavity of the joint. In the latter instance, though the disease may be 
temporarily removed, it generally recurs, with work. When lameness attends 
bog-spavin, there is usually no little degree of inflammation on the synovial 
membrane of the joint ; and, in cases of long standing, the synovial fluid 
becomes solid, and causes permanent stiffness. Thoroughpins, are the same 
morbid affection as the bog-spavin, but affecting the upper and back part 
of the joint, and on each side. 

With regard to the blood-spavin, the vein, as it passes up the leg. may 
certainly be somewhat obstructed by a bog-spavin: and, consequently, a 
little enlarged ; but so slightly, that we believe that the bog and blood 
spavin of the old farriers were one and the same thing, the vein, from its 
proximity being supposed to feed the enlargement. 

The best treatment for these enlargements is, next to the actual cautery, 
the repeated application of the iodide of mercury, which both operates as a 
blister, as well as specifically, on the absorbents. 



166 BLEEDING. 



BLEEDING. 



This operation is performed with a fleam or a lancet. The 
first is the common instrument, and the safest, except in skilful 
hands. The lancet, however, has a more surgical appearance, 
and will be adopted by the veterinary practitioner. A bloodstick 
— a piece of hard wood loaded at one end with lead — is used to 
strike the fleam into the vein. This is sometimes done with too 
great violence, and the opposite side of the coat of the vein is 
wounded. Bad cases of inflammation have resulted from this. 
If the fist is doubled, and the fleam is sharp and is struck with 
sufficient force with the lower part of the hand, the bloodstick 
may be dispensed with. 

For general bleeding the jugular vein is selected. The horse 
is blindfolded on the side on which he is to be bled, or his head 
turned well away. The hair is smoothed along the course of the 
vein with the moistened finger ; then, with the third and little 
fingers of the left hand, which holds the fleam, pressure is made 
on the vein sufficient to bring it fairly into view, but not to swell 
it too much, for then, presenting a rounded surface, it would be 
apt to roll or slip under the blow. The point to be selected is 
about two inches below the union of the two portions of the jug- 
ular at the angle of the jaw (see Fig. 12). The fleam is to be 
placed in a direct line with the course of the vein, and over the 
precise centre of the vein, as close to it as possible, but its point 
not absolutely touching the vein. A sharp rap with the blood- 
stick or the hand on that part of the back of the fleam immedi- 
ately over the blade, will cut through" the vein, and the blood 
will flow. A fleam with a large blade should always be pre- 
ferred, for the operation will be materially shortened, and this 
will be a matter of some consequence with a fidgety or restive 
horse. A quantity of blood drawn speedily will also have far 
more effect on the system than double the weight slowly taken, 
while the wound will heal just as readily as if made by a smaller 
instrument. There is no occasion to press so hard against the 
neck with the pail, or can, as some do ; a slight pressure, if the 
incision has been large enough and straight, and in the middle of 
the vein, will cause the blood to flow sufficiently fast ; or, the 
finger being introduced into the mouth between the tushes and 
the grinders, and gently moved about, will keep the mouth in 
motion, and hasten the rapidity of the stream by the action and 
pressure of the neighboring muscles. 

When sufficient blood has been taken, the edges of the wound 
should be brought closely and exactly together, and kept togethei 
by a small sharp pin being passed through them. Round this a little 



BLEEDING. 1 (>7 

tow, or a few hairs from the mane of the horse, should be wrap- 
ped, so as to cover the whole of the incision ; and the head of 
the horse should be tied up for several hours to prevent his rub- 
bing the part against the manger. In bringing the edges of tlie 
wound together, and introducing the pin, care should be taken not 
to draw the skin too much from the neck, otherwise blood will 
insinuate itself between it and the muscles beneath, and cause an 
unsightly and sometimes troublesome swelling.* 

The blood should be received into a vessel, the dimensions oi 
which are exactly known, so that the operator may be able tc 
calculate at every period of the bleeding the quantity that is 
subtracted. Care likewise should be taken that the blood flows 
in a regular stream into the centre of the vessel, for if it is suf- 
fered to trickle down the sides, it will not afterwards undergo 
those changes by which we partially judge of the extent ©f in- 
flammation. The pulse, however, and the symptoms of the case 
collectively, will form a better criterion than any change in the 
blood. Twenty-four hours after the operation, the edges of the 
wound will have united, and the pin should be withdrawn. 
When the bleeding is to be repeated, if more than three or four 
hours have elapsed, it will be better to make a fresh incision 
rather than to open the old wound. 

For general bleeding the jugular vein is selected as the largest 
superficial one, and most easily got at. In every affection of the 
head, and in cases of fever or extended inflammatory action, it- is 
decidedly the best place for bleeding. In local inflammation, 
blood may be taken from any of the superficial veins. In sup- 
posed affection of the shoulder, or of the fore-leg or foot, the plate 
vein, which comes from the inside of the arm, and runs upwards 
directly in front of it towards the jugular, may be opened. In 
affections of the hind extremity, blood is sometimes extracted 
from the sajihcena, or thigh-vein, which runs across the inside of 
the thigh. In foot cases it may be taken from the coronet, or, 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — In performing this operation with the fleam, the 
blood-stick should never be loaded with lead, as there is no possible occasion 
for such extra weight. The lancet requires much greater skill ; and, whilst 
the jugular vein of the near side is the most convenient situation for the 
fleam, the off side is the best for the lancet. In using the latter, the head 
of the horse should be elevated, so as to put the vein somewhat on the 
stretch, and prevent its rolling ; the vein is then pressed with the ringers of 
the left hand, which, obstructing the current, causes the vein to swell: the 
lancet should then be dexterously thrust forwards and upwards, so as to open 
the vein with one incision. The lancet should not be too large — should be 
shaped like a human lancet, and about double its size, with a very sharp 
point. In bleeding from the arm or the thigh, the fleam is more convenient 
than the lancet. 

In closing the orfice the pin should not be very large ; and fine .tow should 
be used to wind ro'P>d \%, and not hair, as the latter is so apt to slip. 



168 BLEEDING. 

much more safely, from the toe ; not by cutting out, as the fai- 
ner does, a piece of the sole at the toe of the frog, which some- 
times causes a wound difficult to heal, and followed by festering, 
and even by canker ; but cutting down with a fine drawing-knife, 
called a searcher, at the union between the crust and the sole at 
the very toe until the blood flows, and, if necessary, encouraging 
its discharge by dipping the foot in warm water. The mesh- 
work of both arteries and veins will be here divided, and blood 
is generally obtained in any quantity that may be needed. The 
bleeding may be stopped with the greatest ease, by placing a bit 
of tow in the little groove that has been cut, and tacking the she 
over it.* 

* A great improvement has lately been introduced in the method of ar- 
resting arterial hemorrhage. The operation is very simple, and, with com- 
mon care, successful. The instrument is a pair of artery forceps, with rather 
sharper teeth than the common forceps, and the blades held close by a slide. 
The vessel is laid bare, detached from the cellular substance around it, and 
the artery then grasped by the forceps, the instrument deviating a very lit- 
tle from the line of the artery. The vessel is now divided close to the for- 
ceps, and behind them, and the forceps are twisted four or five times round. 
The forceps are then loosened, and, generally speaking, not more than a drop 
or two of blood will have been lost. This method of arresting bleeding has 
been applied by several scientific and benevolent men with almost constant 
success. It has been readily and effectually practised in docking, and our 
patients have escaped much torture, and tetanus lost many a victim. The 
forceps have been introduced, and with much success, in castration, and thus 
the principal danger of that operation, as well as the most painful part of 
it, is removed. The colt will be a fair subject for this experiment. On the 
sheep and the calf it may be readily performed, and the operator will have 
the pleasing consciousness of rescuing many a poor animal from the unne- 
cessary infliction of torture. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



We now proceed to the consideration of the diseases of the 
respiratory system. 

THE MEMBRANE OF THE NOSE. 

The mucous membrane of the nose is distinguished from other 
mucous surfaces, not only by its thickness, but its vascularity. 
It is called the Schneiderian membrane. The importance of ob- 
serving its color and appearance generaljy, as indicia of the dif- 
ferent diseases to which the horse is subject, has been adverted to 
in speaking of the tissues of the head, (p. 103). Its characteristic 
appearance under all circumstances, should be attentively observed 
by every one who attempts to prescribe in the diseases of horses 



CATARRH OR COLD. 

Catarrh, or Cold, is attended by a slight discharge from the 
nose — now and then, a slighter weeping from the eyes, and some 
increased labor of breathing. When this is a simply local in- 
flammation, attended by no loss of appetite or increased animal 
temperature, it may speedily pass over. 

In many cases, however, the inflammation extends and involves 
the fauces, the lymphatic and some of the salivary glands, the 
throat, the parotid gland, and the membrane of the larynx. We 
have then increased discharge from the nose, greater redness of 
the membrane of the nose, more defluxion from the eyes, and loss 
of appetite, from a degree of fever associating itself with the local 
affection ; and there also being a greater or less degree of pain in 
the act of swallowing, and which, if the animal feels this, he 
will never eat. Cough now appears more or less frequent 01 
painful ; but with no great acceleration of the pulse, or heaving 
of the flanks. 

Catarrh frequently arises from exposures, or changes so trifling, 

H 



17 J INFLAMMATION OF THE LARYNX. 

that they would not be supposed of the least importance by one 
unaccustomed to horses. 

In the majority of cases, a lew warm mashes, warm clothing, 
and a warm stable — a fever-ball or two, with a drachm of a lues 
in each, and a little antimony in the evening, will set all right. 
In nineteen cases out of twenty, recovery would take place with- 
out any medicine, if the horse is kept free from the cordials which 
grooms are so fond of administering ; but in the twentieth case, 
a neglected cough may be a precursor of bronchitis and pneumo- 
nia. These sometimes creep on before any danger is suspected. 
If there is the least fever, the horse should be bled. A common 
cold, attended by heat of the mouth or indisposition to feed, should 
never pass without the abstraction of blood. A physic-ball, how- 
ever, should not be given in catarrh without much consideration. 
If inflammation of the lungs has set in, a dose of physic would 
be little better than a dose of poison. If there is no danger of 
this, Fmall doses of aloes may be united with the other medicine 
with advantage. 

If catarrh is accompanied by sore throat — if the submaxillary 
glands are enlarged — if the horse should quid his feed and gulp 
his water, this will be an additional reason for bleeding, and 
also for warm clothing and a comfortable stable. 

Some stimulating liniment may be applied over the inflamed 
gland, consisting of turpentine or tincture of cantharides, diluted 
with spermaceti or neat's-foot oil — strong enough to produce con- 
siderable irritation on the skin, but not to blister, or to destroy the 
hair. An embrocation sufficiently powerful, and yet that nevei 
destroys the hair, consists of equal parts of hartshorn, oil of turpen- 
tine, and camphorated spirit, with a small quantity of lauda- 
num.* 

INFLAMMATION OF THE LARYNX. 

Strictly speaking, this refers to inflammation confined to the 
larynx ; but either catarrh or bronchitis, or both, frequently ac- 
company the complaint. 

Its approach is often insidious, scarcely to be distinguished 
from catarrh, except by being attended with more soreness of 
throat, and less enlargement of the parotid glands. There are 
also more decided and violent paroxysms of coughing than in 
common catarrh, attended by a gurgling noise, which may be 
heard at a little distance from the horse, and which, by auscul 
tation, is decidedly referable to the larynx. The breathing is 

• Note by Mr. Spooner. — In catarrh, if there is cough, the throat should be 
blisteied, or stimulated by the tincture of cantharides. 



SORE THROAT. 



171 



shorter and quicker, and evidently more painful than catarrh ; 
the membrane of the uose is redder ; it is of a deep modena 
color ; and the horse shrinks, and exhibits great pain when the 
larynx is pressed upon. The paroxysms of coughing become 
more frequent and violent, and the animal appears at times al- 
most suffocated. . 

As the soreness of the throat proceeds the head ol the animal 
is projected, and the neck has a peculiar stiffness. There is also 
much difficulty of swallowing. Considerable swelling of the 
larynx and the pharynx ensue, and also of the parotid, sublin- 
gual, and submaxillary glands. As the inflammation increases, 
the coujjh becomes hoarse and feeble, and in some cases alto- 
gether suspended. At the commencement, there is usually little 
or no running at the nose ; but the secretion soon appears, either 
pure or mixed with an unusual quantity of saliva. 

Auscultation is a very important aid in the discovery of the 
nature, and serious or trifling character of this disease. It can- 
not be too often repeated, that it is one of the most valuable 
means which we possess of detecting the seat, intensity, and re- 
sults of the maladies of the respiratory passages. No instru- 
ment is required ; the naked ear can be applied evenly and flatly, 
and with a very slight pressure, on any part that it is of impor- 
tance to examine. The healthy sound, when the ear is applied 
to the windpipe, is that of a body of air passing uninterruptedly 
through a smooth tube of somewhat considerable calibre : it 
very much resembles the sound of a pair of forge bellows, when 
not too violently worked. 

He who is desirous of ascertaining whether there is any dis- 
ease in the larynx of a horse, should apply his ear to the lower 
part of the windpipe. If he finds that the air passes m and out 
without interruption, there is no disease of any consequence 
either in the windpipe or the chest ; for it would immediately be 
detected by the loudness or the interruption of the murmur 
Then let him gradually proceed up the neck, with his ear still 
upon the windpipe. Perhaps he soon begins to recognize a little 
gurgling, grating sound. As he continues to ascend, that sound 
is more decisive, mingled with an occasional wheezing, whistling 
noise. He can have no surer proof that here is the impediment 
to the passage of the air, proceeding from the thickening of the 
membrane and diminution of the passage, or increased secretion 
of mucus, which bubbles and rattles as the breath passes. 
By the degree of the rattling or whistling, the owner will judge 
which cause of obstruction preponderates — in fact, he will have 
discovered the seat and the state of the disease, and the sooner 
be has recourse to professional advice the better. 

Chronic laryngitis is of more frequent occurrence than acute 



172 INFLAMMATION OF THE WINDPIPE ROARING. 

Many of the coughs that are most troublesome are to be traced 
to this source. 

In violent cases laryngitis terminates in suffocation ; in others, 
in thick wind or in roaring. Occasionally it is necessary to have 
recourse to the operation of tracheotomy. 

In acute laryngitis the treatment to be pursued is sufficiently 
plain. The blood must be abstracted, and that from the jugu- 
lar vein, for there will then be the combined advantage of gen- 
eral and local bleeding. The blood must be somewhat copious- 
ly withdrawn, depending on the degree of inflammation — the 
practitioner never for a moment forgetting that he has to do 
with inflammation of a mucous membrane, and that what he 
does he must do quickly. He will have lost the opportunity of 
struggling successfully with the disease when it has altered its 
character and debility has succeeded. The cases must be few 
and far between when the surgeon makes up his mind to any 
determinate quantity of blood, and leaves his assistant or his 
groom to abstract it ; he must himself bleed, and until the pulse 
flutters or the constitution is evidently affected. 

Next must be given the fever medicine already recommended : 
the digitalis, nitre, and emetic tartar, with aloes. Aloes may 
here be safely given, because the chest is not yet implicated. To 
this must be added, and immediately, a blister, and a sharp one. 
The surgeon is sure of the part, and he can bring his counter- 
irritant almost into contact with it. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE TRACHEA. 

Inflammation of the membrane of the larynx, and especially 
when it has run on to ulceration, may rapidly spread, and in- 
volve the greater part or the whole of the lining membrane of 
the trachea. A blister must reach as low as the rattling sound 
can be detected, and somewhat beyond this. The fever medi- 
cines must be administered in somewhat increased doses ; and the 
bleeding must be repeated, if the state of the pulse does not in- 
dicate the contrary. 

ROARING. 

The present will be the proper place to speak of that singular 
impairment of the respiratory function recognized by this name 
It is an unnatural, loud, grunting sound made by the animal in 
the act of breathing, when in quick action or on any sudden ex- 
ertion. On carefully listening to the sound, it will appear that 
the roaring is produced in the act of inspiration, arid not in that 



ROARING. 173 

of expiration. If the horse is briskly trotted on a level surface, 
and more particularly if he is hurried up hill, or if he is suddenly 
threatened with a stick, this peculiar sound will be heard and 
cannot be mistaken. 

Roaring is manifest unsoundness. It proceeds from obstruc- 
tion in some portion of the respiratory canal. 

Bands of Coagulated Lymph in the trachea are a frequent 
cause of roaring. Thickening of the membrane is a more fre- 
quent cause. In some morbid specimens this is treble its natu- 
ral thickness, and covered with ulcerations. This is particularly 
annoying in the upper part of the windpipe, where the passages. 
in their natural state, are narrow. Thus it is that roaring is 
the occasional consequence of strangles and catarrh, and other 
affections of the superior passages. 

Chronic cough occasionally terminates in roaring. 
The Disease of Draught- Horses generally. — There can be 
no doubt of the fact, that the majority of roarers are draught- 
horses, and horses of quick draught. They are not only sub- 
ject to the usual predisposing causes of this obstruction, but 
there is something superadded, — the system of tight-reining. To 
a certain extent, the curb-rein is necessary. Without it there 
would be scarcely any command over a wilful horse, and it 
would need a strong arm occasionally to guide even the most 
willing. But curbing too tight, particularly when the horse is 
young, leads to frequent injuries to the larynx, which result in 
inflammation, and ultimately cause roaring. 

Facts have established the hereditary predisposition to roar- 
ing, beyond the possibility of doubt, and therefore a stallion that 
is a roarer should never be bred from. 

It is probably useless to attempt to cure confirmed roaring, 
but if it is of recent date, and the seat of the obstruction can be 
detected by auscultation, or otherwise, it might be well to bleed, 
purge, and most certainly to blister over the affected part. The 
physic having set, a course of fever medicine should be com- 
menced. It should be considered as a case of chronic inflamma- 
tion, and to be subdued by a continuance of moderate depletory 
measures. Probably blood should again be abstracted in less 
quantity ; a second dose of physic should be given, and, most 
certainly, the blister should be repeated, or kept discharging by 
means of some stimulating unguent. The degree of success 
which attends these measures would determine the farther pur- 
suit of them. If no relief is obtained after a fortnight or three 
weeks, perhaps the experimenter would ponder on another mode 
of treatment. He would again carefully explore the whole ex- 
tent of the trachea, and if he could yet refer the rattling or 
wheezing to the same point at which he had before observed it, 



i.74 BRONCHOCELE. 

he would boldly propose tracheotomy, for he could certainly cut 
upon the seat of disease. 

If he found one of these organized bands, the removal of it 
would afford immediate relief ; or if he found merely a thickened 
membrane, no harm would be done ; or the loss of blood might 
abate the local inflammation. No one would eagerly undertake 

case of roaring ; but, having undertaken it, he should give the 
measures that he adopts a fair trial, remembering that, in every 
chronic case like this, the only hope of success depends on perse- 
verance.* 

BRONCHOCELE. 

Mr. Percival is almost the only author who takes notice of en- 
largement of the thyroid glands — two oval bodies below the la- 
rynx, and attached to the trachea. The use of them has never 
been satisfactorily explained. They sometimes grow to the size 
of an egg, or larger, but are unattended by cough or fever, and 
are nothing more than an eye-sore. The iodine ointment has oc- 
casionally been applied with success. The blister or the seton 
may also be useful. 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — This disease is not always so easily discovered 
as is implied by the statement in the text. In some cases, the symptoms of 
roaring are only developed after a short gallop ; and, in many, roarers will 
not grunt when suddenly alarmed. It is generally very old and confirmed 
uises that exhibit this symptom. There are not only a variety of degrees 
in which roaring may exist, but there are many different causes which pro 
duce the noise which gives a name to the disease. Several of these have 
been stated in the text; but one, and by no means an unfrequent one, has 
been omitted, which is the absorption and paralyzation of the muscles, on 
one side, which assist in opening and enlarging the entrance to the larynx, 
by pulling back the. arytenoid cartilages, as they are termed. The conse- 
quence of this is, that an obstruction takes place ; and, although the air can 
enter with sufficient rapidity when the animal is at rest, yet when respira- 
tion is hurried by exertion, a great noise is occasioned by the air passing 
through the narrow aperture with great rapidity. 

T he greater number of the cases of roaring certainly occur with carriage 
horses and are connected with the practice of tight reining. It is not, how- 
ever, the sudden reining in which causes the mischief, but the long-contin- 
ued position of the windpipe when thus distorted. When the breathing is 
greatly distressed, either from over-exertion or from inflammation of the 
lungs, the horse stretches out his head, and extends the nostrils, and by this 
means places the air-passages in a straight line, and admits their greatest ex- 
pansion. When, however, the neck is much arched, there is a great angle 
formed at the throat, and the upper ring of the windpipe is forced up so aa 
to form an obstruction to the passage of air. This position of the windpipe, 
at first temporary, at length becomes permanent, and thus proves a frequent 
cause of roaring. 



EPIDEMIC CATARRH. 175 



EPIDEMIC CATARRH, OR INFLUENZA. 

Various names are given to this disease — influenza, distempei, 
catarrhal fever, and epidemic catarrh. Its usual history is as 
follows : 

In the spring of the year — a cold, wet spring — and that suc- 
ceeding to a mild winter, and especially among young horses, and 
those in high condition, or made up for sale, or that have been 
kept in hot stables, or exposed to the usual causes of inflamma 
tion, this disease principally, and sometimes almost exclusively, 
prevails. Those that are in moderate work, and that are corre- 
spondingly fed, generally escape ; or even when it appears in 
most of the stables in a narrower or wider district, horses in bar- 
racks, regularly worked and moderately fed, although not entirely 
exempt, are comparatively seldom diseased. 

If it has been observed from the beginning, it will be found 
that the attack is usually sudden, ushered in by shivering, and 
that quickly succeeded by acceleration of pulse, heat of mouth, 
staring coat, tucked-up belly, diminution of appetite, painful but 
not loud cough, heaving at the flanks, redness of the membrane 
of the nose, swelled and weeping eye, dejected countenancc- 
these are the symptoms of catarrh, but under a somewhat aggra 
vated form. 

It clearly is not inflammation of the lungs ; for there is no 
coldness of the extremities, no looking at the flanks, no stiff im- 
movable position, no obstinate standing up. It is not simple 
catarrh ; for as early as the second day there is evident debility. 
The horse staggers as he walks. 

It is inflammation of the respiratory passages generally. I 4 . 
commences in the membrane of the nose, but it gradually involves 
the whole of the respiratory apparatus. Before the disease has 
been established four-and-twenty hours, there is frequently sore 
throat. The horse quids his hay, and gulps his water. There is 
no great enlargement of the glands ; the parotids are a little tu- 
mefied, the submaxillary somewhat more so, but not at all equiv- 
alent to the degree of soreness. That soreness is excessive, and 
day after day the horse will obstinately refuse to eat. Discharge 
from the nose soon follows in considerable quantity : thick, very 
early purulent, and sometimes fetid. The breathing is accelera- 
ted and laborious at the beginning, but does not always increase 
with the progress of the disease — nay, sometimes a deceitful calm 
succeeds, and the pulse, quickened and full at first, soon loses its 
firmness, and although it usually maintains its unnatural quick- 
ness, yet it occasionally deviates from this, and subsides to little 
more than its natural standard. The extremities continue to be 



1 76 EPIDEMIC CATARRH. 

comfortably warm, or at least the temperature is variable, and 
there is not in the manner of the animal, or in anyone symptom, 
a decided reference to any particular part or spot, as the chief 
seat of disease. 

Thus the malady proceeds for an uncertain period : occa- 
sionally for several days — in not a few instances through the 
whole of its course, and the animal dies exhausted by extensive 
or general irritation : but in other cases the inflammation as- 
sumes a local determination, and we have bronchitis or pneumo- 
nia, but of no very acute character, yet difficult to treat, from the 
general debility with which it is connected. Sometimes there 
are considerable swellings in various parts, as the chest, the belly, 
the extremities, and particularly the head. The brain is occa- 
sionally affected ; the horse grows stupid ; the conjunctiva is 
alarmingly red ; the animal becomes gradually unconscious, and 
delirium follows. A curious thickening, that may be mistaken 
for severe sprain, is sometimes observed about the tendons. It is 
seen under the knee or about the fetlock. It is hot and tender, 
and the lameness is considerable. The feet occasionally suffer 
severely. There is a determination of fever to them far more vio 
lent than the original disease, and separation of the laminsB and 
descent of the sole ensue. 

The most decided character in this disease is debility. Not the 
stiff, unwilling motion of the horse with pneumonia, and which 
has been mistaken for debility — every muscle being needed for 
the purposes of respiration, and therefore imperfectly used in lo- 
comotion — but actual loss of power in the muscular system gen 
erally. The horse staggers from the second day. He threatens 
to fall if he is moved. He is sometimes down, permanently down, 
on the third or fourth day. The emaciation is also occasionally 
rapid and extreme. 

At length the medical treatment which has been employed 
succeeds, or nature begins to rally. The cough somewhat sub- 
sides ; the pulse assumes its natural standard ; the countenance 
acquires a little more animation ; the horse will eat a small quan- 
tity of some choice thing ; and health and strength slowly, very 
slowly indeed, return : but at other times, when there has been 
no decided change during the progress of the disease, no manage- 
able change of inflammation while there was sufficient power left 
in the constitution to struggle with it, a strange exasperation of 
symptoms accompanies the closing scene. The extremities be- 
come deathly cold ; the flanks heave ; the countenance betrays 
greater distress ; the membrane of the nose is of an intense red , 
and inflammation of the substance of the lungs, and congestioo 
and death speedily follow. 

At other times the redness of the nostril suddenly disappears ; 



EPIDEMIC CATARRH. 177 

it becomes purple, livid, dirty brown, and the discharge is bloody 
and fetid, the breath and all the excretions becoming fetid too 
The mild character of the disease gives way to malignant typhus ; 
swellings, and purulent ulcers, spread over different parts of the 
frame, and the animal is soon destroyed. 

Post-mortem Examination. — Examination after death suffi- 
ciently displays the real character of the disease, inflammation 
first of the respiratory passages, and, in fatal or aggravated cases, 
of the mucous membranes generally. From the pharynx, to the 
termination of the small intestines, and often including even the 
larger ones, there will not be a part free from inflammation ; the 
upper part of the trachea will be filled with adhesive spume, and 
the lining membrane thickened, injected, or ulcerated ; the lining 
tunic of the bronchial tubes will exhibit unequivocal marks of in- 
flammation ; the substance of the lungs will be engorged, and 
often inflamed ; the heart will partake of the same affection ; its 
external coat will be red, or purple, or black, and its internal one 
wil 1 exhibit spots of ecchymosis ; the pericardium will be thick- 
ened, and the pericardiac and pleuritic bags will contain an un- 
due quantity of serous, or bloody-serous, or purulent fluid. 

The oesophagus will be inflamed, sometimes ulcerated — the 
stomach always so ; the small intestines will uniformly present 
patches of inflammation or ulceration. The liver will be in- 
flamed — the spleen enlarged — no part, indeed, will have escaped ; 
and if the malady has assumed a typhoid form in its latter stages, 
the universality and malignancy of the ulceration will be ex- 
cessive. 

This disease is clearly attributable to atmospheric influence. 
It is most prevalent in cold, ungenial weather, and is most fre- 
quent in the spring. It is both epidemic and endemic — some- 
times raging over large districts so that scarcely a stable escapes, 
and at others, being confined to a neighborhood. It is much 
more liable to make its appearance in stables where a number of 
horses are kept, than in smaller ones. 

The disease is beyond all doubt contagious. 

With regard to the treatment of epidemic catarrh, there may 

be, and is at times, considerable difficulty. It is a disease of the 

mucous membrane, and thus connected with much debility ; but 

it is also a disease of a febrile character, and the inflammation is 

occasionally intense. The veterinary surgeon, therefore, must 

judge for himself. Is the disease in its earliest stage marked by 

evident inflammatory action ? Is there much redness of the 

membrane of the nose — much acceleration of the pulse — much 

heaving of the flanks ? If so, blood must be abstracted. The 

orifice should be large, that the blood may flow quickly, and the 

circulation bo sooner affected ; and the medical attendant should 
12 1) 



179 EPIDEMIC CATARRH. 

be present at this first venesection, that he may close the orifice 
as soon as the pulse begins to falter. This attention to the first 
bleeding is indispensable. It is the carelessness with which it is 
performed — the ignorance of the object to be accomplished, and 
the effect actually produced, that destroys half the horses that 
are lost from this malady. The first falter of the pulse is the sig- 
nal to suspend the bleeding. Every drop lost afterwards may be 
wanted. 

x If there is no appearance of febrile action, or only a very slight 
one, small doses of aloes may be given, combined with the fever 
medicines recommended for catarrh. As soon as the faeces are 
pultaceous, or even before that, the aloes should be omitted and 
the fever medicine continued. It will rarely be prudent to con- 
tinue the aloes beyond the third drachm. 

A stricter attention must be paid to diet than the veterinarian 
usually enforces, or the groom dreams of. No corn must be al- 
lowed, but mashes and thin gruel. The water should be entirely 
taken away, and a bucket of gruel suspended in the box. This 
is an excellent plan with regard to every sick horse that we do 
not wish to reduce too much ; and when he finds that the morn- 
ing and evening pass over, and his water is not offered to him, 
he will readily take to the gruel, and drink as much of it as is 
good for him. Green meat should be early offered, such as grass, 
tares (the latter especially), lucerne, and, above all, carrots. If 
these cannot be procured, a little hay may be wetted, and offered 
morsel after morsel by the hand. Should this be refused, the hay 
may be damped with water slightly salted, and then the patient 
will generally seize it with avidity. 

Should the horse refuse to eat during the two or three first 
days, there is no occasion to be in a hurry to drench with gruel ; 
it will make the mouth sore, and the throat sore, and tease and 
disgust : but if he should long continue obstinately to refuse his 
food, nutriment must be forced upon him. Good thick gruel must 
be horned down, or, what is better, given by means of Read's pump. 

The practitioner will often and anxiously have recourse to aus 
cultation. He will listen for the mucous rattle, creeping down 
trie windpipe, and entering the bronchial passages. If he cannot 
detect it below the larynx, he will apply a strong blister, reach- 
ing from ear to ear, and extending to the second or third ring of 
the trachea. If he can trace the rattle in the windpipe, he must 
follow it, — he must blister as far as the disease has spread. This 
will often have an excellent effect, not only as a counter-irritant, 
but as rousing the languid powers of the constitution. A rowel 
ol tolerable size between the fore-legs cannot do harm. It may 
act as a derivative, or it may take away a disposition to itiflam 
mation in the contiguous portion of the chest. 



EPIDEMIC CATARRH. 179 

The inflammation which characterizes the early stage of this 
disease is at first confined to the membrane of the mouth and the 
fauces Can fomentations be applied ? Yes, and to the very 
part, by means of a hot mash, not thrown into the manger over 
which the head of the horse cannot be confined, but placed in 
that too-much-undervalued and discarded article of stable-furni- 
ture, the nose-bag. The vapor of the water will, at every inspi- 
ration, pass over the inflamed surface. In the majority of cases 
relief will speedily be obtained, and that suppuration from the 
part so necessary to the permanent removal of the inflammation 
— a copious discharge of mucus or purulent matter from the nos- 
trils — will be hastened. If the discharge does not appear so 
speedily as could be wished, a stimulant should be applied to the 
part. The vapor impregnated with turpentine arising from fresh 
yellow deal saw-dust, used instead of bran, will have very con- 
siderable effect in quickening and increasing the suppuration. It 
may even be resorted to almost from the beginning, if there is 
not evidently much irritability of membrane. 

A hood is a useful article of clothing in these cases. It in- 
creases the perspiration from the surface covering the inflamed 
part — a circumstance always of considerable moment. 

An equable warmth should be preserved, if possible, over the 
whole body. The hand-brush should be gently used every day, 
and harder and more effectual rubbing applied to the leg. The 
patient should, if possible, be placed, in a loose box, in which he 
may toddle about, and take a little exercise, and out of which 
he should rarely, if at all, be taken. The exercise of which the 
groom is so fond in these cases, and which must in the most per 
emptory terms be forbidden, has destroyed thousands of horses. 
The air should be fresh and uncontaminated, but never chilly; 
for the object is to increase and not to repress cutaneous perspira- 
tion ; to produce, if possible, a determ. nation of blood to the 
skin, and not to drive it to the part alreaay too much overloaded. 
In order to accomplish this, the clothing shou'd be rather warmer 
than usual. 

The case may proceed somewhat slowly, and not quite satis- 
factorily to the practitioner or his employer. Ther^ is not much 
fever — there is little or no local inflammation ; but tnere is great 
emaciation and debility, and total loss of appetite. The quan- 
tity of the sedative may then be lessened but not omitted alto- 
gether ; for the fire may not be extinguished, although for a little 
while concealed. There are no diseases so insidious and treach- 
erous as these. Mild and vegetable tonics, such as gentian and 
ginger, may be given. Two days after this the sedative may be 
altogether omitted, and the tonic gradually increased. 

The feeding should now be sedulously attended to. Almost 



180 EPIDEMIC CATARRH. 

every kind of green meat that can be obtained should be given, 
particularly carrots, nicely scraped and sliced. The food should 
be changed as often as the capricious appetite prompts ; and oc- 
casionally, if necessary, the patient should be forced with gruel 
as thick as it will run from the horn, but the gradual return 
of health should be well assured, before one morsel of corn is 
given. * 

Note by Mr. Spooner. — Though this disease often occurs in the form de- 
scribed in the text, yet influenza may, and often does occur, as a severe epi- 
demic both with and without the peculiarities of catarrh. The diseases, 
therefore, though bordering, and often running into each other, are yet dis- 
tinct and require separate notice. 

With reference to the treatment of catarrhal fever, we should recommend 
great caution with regard to blood- letting ; and, if much weakness is mani- 
fested, it should not be practised at all. Equal caution should be observed 
with regard to purgative medicines ; but, if the bowels are constipated, a 
pint of linseed oil, or two or three drachms of aloes in solution, may be 
given, but not repeated. This may be assisted by injections. 

The influenza very extensively prevailed as an epidemic in this country 
in the years 1836 and 1840. A very full account of this disease as it pre- 
vailed during these periods, may be found in a small treatise on the subject 
published by the present writer. The symptoms in 1840 were very similar 
to those of the epizootic of 1836, sufficiently so to justify us in denominat- 
ing it the same disease. The first symptom in that of 1 840 which awakened 
attention was the sudden failure of the appetite (either total or partial) ; 
the horse, perhaps, might have appeared perfectly well in the morning, and 
at noon refused his feed. At this stage we usually found the mouth hot 
and the pulse quickened, varying, however, from 42 to 80, being sometimes 
full and strong, but more frequently soft and weak. There was generally a 
somewhat dull appearance of the animal at first, although nothing compared 
to what afterwards supervened ; the coat was often staring, and when so 
the attack usually became more severe. This symptom, however, was far 
from being universal, and the extremities were rarely cold. In the course 
ot six or twelve hours, the symptoms became more aggravated, the pulse 
increased in frequency, the appetite was more diminished, and probably the 
legs and eyelids were considerably swollen. In some cases the respiration 
became quickened, and in others there was cough and sore throat, but, in 
the majority of patients, there was no bronchial affection whatever. 

In a few instances, the disease quickly reached its acme, but, generally, 
the symptoms increased in severity for two or three days; when, supposing 
judicious treatment had been employed, they gradually declined, and at 
length totally disappeared, the animal slowly regaining his former health 
and spirits. 

The bowels, generally speaking, were not apparently much deranged, but 
their mucous coat was particularly susceptible to the action of aperient 
medicines, and the faeces were frequently enveloped in thin slimy mucus, 
and often softer than in a state of health. 

in some cases the affection of the eyes was so violent as to occasion tem- 
po, ary blindness, and in others pneumonia was present, but more frequently 
sevei ,. bronchitis. In many patients the aedematous swelling of the legs 
was enormous, and continued obstinate when the other symptoms nad abated 
but commonly, in proportion as the legs and eyes were much affected, the 
internal viscera were free from disease, and vice versa. This rule, hr wever 



THE MALIGNANT EPIDEMIC. 1S1 



THE MALIGNANT EPIDEMIC. 



Continental veterinarians describe a malignant variety or ter- 
mination of epidemic catarrh, and Britain is not without its 
records of it. It prevailed in 1815, and three horses out of five 
attacked by it died. It reappeared in 1823, but was not so 
fatal. In 1714, a malignant epidemic was imported from the 
continent, and in the course of a few months destroyed 70,000 
horses and cattle. It continued to visit other countries, with 
but short intervals, for fifty years afterwards. 

The malignant epidemic was almost uniformly ushered in by 
inflammation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory 
passages, but soon involving other portions, and then ensued a 

was by no means universal, for, in several instances, severe cephalic 
and thoracic symptoms were present in the same subject and at the same 
time. 

When an animal had been previously suffering from some chronic disease, 
such as broken wind, or hepatized lungs, the influenza was nearly sure to 
light up afresh the embers of the former fire; and this local disease gene- 
rally proved troublesome and obstinate. So, likewise, when, from the idio- 
syncrasy of the animal, an organ was in a weak and susceptible state, inflam- 
mation in that part was quickly excited by the general fever present in the 
system. 

Treatment. — Whenever the pulse was full and strong, blood was ab- 
stracted with the best effect. In such instances I observed the blood slow 
in coagulating, and invariably presenting a buffy coat; great care, however, 
was taken not to abstract too large a quantity ; and I found I could produce 
the required influence by half the quantity which, in ordinary inflammatory 
affections, it would be necessary to take. The amount of blood withdrawn 
was always determined by its effect on the pulse, taking care, as soon as 
its character was materially altered, becoming softer and less perceptible, to 
pin up the orifice. This alteration was sometimes produced by the loss of 
four pounds of blood, oftener by six, occasionally by eight, and in a few 
instances, ten pounds were required to be taken. In two or three cases, 
where there appeared to be severe internal inflammation, the blood-letting 
was repeated on the following day, and in one case on the same ; but, as a 
general rule, even in cases where the pulse had on the following day re- 
gained its strength and fulness, I abstained from a second bleeding, trusting 
to medicine and the progress of the disease to soften the pulse, a result which 
usually followed on the second or third day. 

Recourse was had to local venesection still more frequently than to gene- 
ral bleeding ; indeed, whenever the eyes were much inflamed, or the lids 
swollen, I scarified the latter with a lancet, and opened the angular veins, 
which course of procedure was attended with the best results, for the local 
inflammation usually subsided in the course of twelve or twenty-four hours, 
whether I bled generally before or not. 

On referring to some fifty cases, it appears that in twenty-three I em- 
ployed general bleeding; in the remainder I did not; but in twenty-five 
ca<es I bled locally, either from the eyelids and eye veins, or the bars of 
the mouth. The majority of these were cases which had not been bled 
previously, and the minority belonged to those in which T had before em 



182 THE MALIGNANT EPILEMIC. 

diarrhoea, which no art could arrest. The fever, acute at first, 
rapidly passed over, and was succeeded by great prostration of 
*■ trength. The inflammation then spread to the cellular texture, 
and there was a peculiar disposition to the formation of phleg- 
monous tumors : sometimes there were pustular eruptions, but, 
oftener, deep-seated tumors rapidly proceeding to suppuration. 
Connected with this was a strong tendency to decomposition, 
and unless the animal was relieved by some critical flux or 
evacuation, malignant typhus was established, and the horse 
speedily sunk. 

The most satisfactory account of one of these epidemics is 
given us by Professor Brugnone, of Turin It commenced with 
loss of appetite, staring coat, a wild and wandering look, and a 

ployed venesection. More than one half of the horses that were bled gene- 
lally were from the same stable, and were mostly young cart-horses that 
had been recently purchased, and afterwards worked very hard. They had 
also been allowed a considerable quantity of beans, a diet to which they 
had not previously been accustomed. Among these horses I found my 
severest cases, which were often complicated with pneumonia, bronchitis, and 
other visceral derangement. In them, too, the blood presented a thick 
buffy coat, and the pulse was strong and full. 

The usual treatment in the way of medicines consisted in administering 
the following: — 

(Recipe.) Oil of Croton 6 drops. 

Nitrate of potassa . . . . 4 to 6 drachms. 
Potassio-tartrate of antimony . 1 drachm. 
Spirit of nitric ether .... 4 drachms to 1 ounce. 
Solution of acetate of ammonia 2 to 4 ounces. 
Warm water sufficient to make a draught. 

Sometimes four drachms of bi- tartrate of potassa was added to the 
above ; and, when the head appeared much affected, a drachm of camphor. 
Tins draught was generally administered once, but sometimes twice a day, 
the croton oil being omitted after the first dose : after the first day, in by 
far the greater number of cases, two drachms of powdered gentian were 
added ; and after the second or third day, a ball was substituted for the 
draught, consisting of: — 

(Recipe.) Nitrate of potassa 3 drachms. 

Potassio-tartrate of antimony . 1 " 

Powdered gentian root ... 2 " 

Powdered pimento berries . . 1 " 
Treacle sufficient to form a ball. 

Counter-irritation. — In by far the greater number of cases, there was no 
inflammation of the air-passages; but whenever it was denoted, I blistered 
the throat, the course of the windpipe, and the breast, or inserted setons or 
rowels, as the particular case appeared to demand. 

The above treatment I found successful, not only in conquering tl 3 dis- 
ease, but in restoring health and strength in a short space of time. 



THE MALIGNJNT EPIDEMIC. 



183 



gtao-^ering from the very commencement. The horse would con- 
tinually lie down and get up again, as if tormented by colic ; and 
he gazed alternately at both flanks. In the moments of com- 
parative ease, there were universal twitchings of the skin, and 
spasms of the limbs. The temperature of the ears and feet was 
variable. If there happened to be about the animal any old 
wound or scar from setoning or firing, it opened afresh and dis- 
charged a quantity of thick and black blood. Very shortly 
afterwards the flanks, which were quiet before, began to heave, 
the nostrils were dilated, the head extended for breath. The 
horse had by this time become so weak that, if he lay or fell 
down, he could rise no more ; or if he was up, he would stand 
trembling, staggering, and threatening to fall every moment. 
The mouth was dry, the tongue white, and the breath fetid ; a 
discharge of yellow or bloody fetid matter proceeded from the 
nose, and fetid blood from the anus. The duration of the 
disease did not usually exceed twelve or twenty- four hours ; or 
if the animal lingered on, swellings of the head- and throat, and 
sheath, and scrotum (testicle bag) followed, and he died ex- 
hausted or in convulsions. 

Black spots of extravasation were found in the cellular mem- 
brane, in the tissue of all the membranes, and on the stomach. 
The mesenteric and lymphatic glands were engorged, black, and 
gangrenous. The membrane of the nose and the pharynx was 
highly injected, the lungs were filled with black and frothy 
blood, or with black and livid spots. The brain and its me- 
ninges (enveloping membranes) were unaltered. 

It was found to be highly contagious. 

M. Brugnone found that bleeding only accelerated the death 
of the patient. He afterwards tried, and ineffectually, acids, 
cordials, purgatives, vesicatories, and the actual cautery ; and he 
frankly attributes to the power of iiature the recovery of the few 
who survived. 

If seen at its outset the practitioner would probably bleed ; 
but if a few hours only had elapsed, he would find that bleeding 
would only hasten the catastrophe. Stimulants should be ad- 
ministered mingled with opium, and the spirit of nitrous ether 
i:i doses of three or four ounces, with an ounce or more of 
laudanum. The quantity of opium should be regulated by the 
spasms and the diarrhoea. These medicines should be repeated 
iu a few hours, combined, perhaps, with ginger and gentian. If 
these failed, there is little else to be done. Deep incisions into 
the tumors, or blisters over them, might be proper measures ; 
but the principal attention should be directed to the arresting of 
the contagion. The infected should be immediately removed 
from the healthy. All offensive mattei should be carefully 



Itt4 BRONCHITIS. 

• 

cleared away, and no small portion of chloride of lime used in 
washing the animal, and particularly his ulcers. It might with 
jreat propriety be administered internally, while the stable, an^ 
everything that belonged to the patient, should undergo a carefui 
ablution with the same powerful disinfectant. 

BRONCHITIS. 

This is not generally a primary disease. That inflammation 
of the superior respiratory passages, constituting catarrh, gradu- 
ally creeps downwards and involves the larynx and the trachea, 
and at length, possibly, the farthest and the minutest ramifica- 
tions of the air-tubes. When it is found to be thus advancing, 
its progress should be carefully watched by the assistance of 
auscultation. The distant murmur of the healthy lung cannot 
be mistaken, nor the crepitating (crackling) sound of pneu 
monia ; and in bronchitis the blood may be heard filtering or 
breaking through the divisions of the lobes, and accounting for 
that congestion or filling of the cells with mucus and blood, 
which is found after intense inflammation. Inflammation pre- 
cedes this increased discharge of mucus. Even that may be 
detected. The inflamed membrane is thickened and tense. It 
assumes an almost cartilaginous structure, and the murmur is 
not only louder, but has a kind of snoring sound. Some have 
imagined that a sound like a metallic ring is mingled with it ; 
but this is never very distinct. 

The interrupted whizzing sound has often and clearly indicated 
a case of bronchitis, and there are many corroborative symptoms 
which should be regarded. The variable temperature of the 
extremities will be an important guide — not deathly cold as in 
pneumonia, nor of increased temperature, as often in catarrh. 
but with a tendency to coldness, yet this varying much. The 
pulse will assist the diagnosis — more rapid than in catarrh, 
much more so than in the early stage of pneumonia: not so 
bard as in pleurisy, more so than in catarrh, and much more so 
than in pneumonia. The respiration should next be examined, 
abundantly more rapid than in catarrh, pneumonia, or pleurisy ; 
generally as rapid and often more so than the pulse, and accom- 
panied by a wheezing sound, heard at some distance. Mr. Per- 
civall relates a case in which the respiration was more than one 
hundred in a minute. 

In addition to these clearly characteristic symptoms, will be 
observed a haggard countenance, to which the anxious look of 
the horse laboring under inflammation of the lungs cannot for 
a moment be compared; also an evident dread of suffocation 
expressed, not by inability to move, as in pneumonia but fro 



BRONCHITIS. 185 

quently an obstinate refusal to do so ; cough painful in the 
extreme ; breath hot, yet no marked pain in the part, and no 
looking at the side or flanks. 

As the disease proceeds, there will be considerable discharge 
from the nostrils, much more than in catarrh, because greater 
extent of membrane is affected. It will be muco-purulent at 
first, but will soon become amber-colored or green, or grayish 
green ; and that not from any portion of the food being returned, 
but from the peculiar hue of the secretion from ulcers in the 
bronchial passages. Small organized pieces will mingle with 
the discharge, — portions of mucus condensed and hardened, and 
forced from the inside of the tube. If the disease proceeds, the 
discharge becomes bloody, and then, and sometimes earlier, it is 
fetid. 

The natural termination of this disease, if unchecked, is in 
pneumonia. 

Like every other inflammation of the respiratory passages, 
bronchitis is clearly epidemic. It has not, however, yet been 
proved to be contagious. 

Here again the first step will be to bleed ; and here too will 
be the paramount necessity of the personal attendance of some 
well-informed person while the animal is bled. This is a disease 
of a mucous — and an extended mucous surface ; and while oui 
measures must be prompt, there is a tendency to debility which 
we should never forget. Although the horse may be distressed 
quite to the extent which Mr. Percivall describes, yet he would 
not bear the loss of four pounds of blood without fainting. No 
determinate quantity of blood will therefore be taken, but the 
vein will not be closed until the pulse falters, and the animal 
staggers, and in a minute or two would fall. This may proba- 
bly effect the desired object ; if it does not, it is possible that 
the practitioner may not have a second opportunity. 

The medical attendant should be cautious in the administra- 
tion of jjurgatives, for the reasons that have again and again 
been stated ; but if the bowels are evidently constipated, small 
doses of aloes must be given with the febrifuge medicine, and 
their speedy action promoted by injections, so that a small 
quantity may suffice. 

A blister is always indicated in bronchitis. It can never do 
harm, and it not unfrequently affords decided relief. It should 
extend over the brisket and sides, and up the trachea to the 
larynx. The food, if the horse is disposed to eat, should be 
mashes. No grain should be offered, nor should the horse be 
coaxed to eat.* 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — In addition to the treatment mentioned in the 
text, the use of setons in the brisket, nr as near the termination of tLe 



186 INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 



PNEUMONIA— INFLAMMATION" OF THE LUNGS. 

The intimate structure of the lungs has never been satisfacto 
ri]y demonstrated. They appear, however, to be composed of 
minute cells or pouches, into which the air is at length con 
ducted, and over the delicate membrane constituting the divi- 
sions of which myriads of minute blood-vessels are ramifying. 
The blood is not merely permeating them, but it is undergoing a 
vital change in them ; there is a constant decomposition of the 
air, or of the blood, or of both ; and, during the excitement of 
exercise, that deetiajVsstion proceeds with fearful rapidity. Then 
it can readily be conceived that a membrane so delicate as this 
must be in order that itfe h t< ; rp)sition shall be no hindrance to 
the arteiialization of the blood ; so fragile also, and so loaded 
with blood-vessels, will be exceedingly subject to inflammation, 
and that of a most dangerous character. 

Inflammation of the substance of the lungs is the not unfre- 
quent consequence of all tht diseases of the respiratory passages 
that have been treated on. Catarrh, influenza, bronchitis, if 
neglected or badly managed r, sometimes in spite of the most 
skilful treatment, will spread along the mucous membrane, and 
at length involve the termination of the air-passages. At other 
times, there is pure pneumonia. This cellular texture is the 
primary seat of inflammation. It is often so in the over-worked 
horse. After a long and hard day's hunt, it is very common for 
horses to be attacked by pure pneumonia. 

The following are the most frequent causes of pneumonia. A 
sudden transition from heat to cold ; a change from a warm sta- 
ble to a colder one ; a neglect of the usual clothing ; a neglect 
even of some little comforts ; riding far and fast against a cold 
wind, especially in snowy weather ; and loitering about when 
unusual perspiration has been excited. 

It has not unfrequently happened that when horses have been 
turned out too early to grass, or without gradual preparation, 
pneumonia has supervened. Few are, under any management, 
bo subject to pneumonia as those which, in poor condition and 
without preparation, are turned into salt-marsh. 

windpipe as possible, are of material service ; and if the inflammation ex- 
tends up the windpipe, the setons should also so extend, or the course of 
the windpipe may be blistered. Physic should be avoided. With regard 
to bleeding, this must depend entirely upon the state of the pulse. Some- 
times its weakness entirely forbids depletion, and, on the other hand, 
eeveral bleedings have been required. As a general rule, however, the 
blood-letting should not be very copious. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 187 

On the other hand, a sudden and considerable change from 
cold to heat may be followed by inflammation of the lungs. 

Whether it is the consequence of previous disease of the respi- 
ratory passages, or that inflammation first appears in the cellu- 
lar texture of the lungs, pneumonia is usually ushered in by a 
shivering fit. The horse is cold all over ; this, however, soon 
passes off, and we have general warmth, or heat of the skin 
above the usual temperature, but accompanied by coldness of 
the extremities — intense deathy coldness. This is a perfectly 
characteristic symptom. It will never deceive. It is an early 
symptom. It is found when there is little or no constitutional 
disturbance ; when the pulse is scarcely affected, and the flanks 
heave not at all, but the horse is merely supposed to be dull and 
off his feed. It is that by which the progress of the disease may 
be unhesitatingly marked, when many scarcely suspect its exist- 
ence. 

The pulse is not always at first much increased in rapidity, 
and but rarely or never hard ; but it is obscure, oppressed. 

It is only, however, in the early insidious stage that the flanks 
are occasionally quiet. If the compressibility of the lungs is 
diminished by the thickening of the membrane, or the engorge- 
ment of the vessels, or the filling of the cells, it will be harder 
work to force the air out ; there must be a stronger effort, and 
that pressure which cannot be accomplished by one effort is at- 
tempted over and over again. The respiration is quickened — 
laborious ; the inspiration is lengthened ; the expiration is rapid ; 
and when, after all, the lungs cannot be compressed by the usual 
means, every muscle that can be brought to bear upon the part 
is called into action. Hence the horse will not lie down, for he 
can use the muscles of the spine and the shoulder with most ad- 
vantage as he stands ; hence, too, the very peculiar stiffness of 
position — the disinclination to move. The horse with decided 
pneumonia can scarcely be induced to move at all ; he cannot 
spare for a moment the assistance which he derives from cer- 
tain muscles, and he will continue obstinately to stand until he 
falls exhausted or dying. How eagerly does the veterinarian 
ask when he goes into the stable — " Was he down last night ?" 
And he concludes that much progress has not been made to- 
wards amendment in the case when the answer is in the nega- 
tive. When the patient, wearied out, lies down, it is only for 
a moment ; for if the inflammation is not subdued, he cannot dis- 
pense with the auxiliary muscles. He frequently, and with 
doleful expression, looks at his sides — at one side or at both, 
accordingly as one or both are involved. There is not, however, 
the decidedly haggard countenance of bronchitis ; and in bron- 
chitis the horse rarely or never gazes at his flanks. His is a 



188 INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 

dread of suffocation more than a feeling of pain. The head is 
protruded, and the nostrils distended, and the mouth and the 
breath intensely hot. The nose is injected from the earliest pe- 
riod ; and soon afterwards there is not merely injection, but the 
membrane is uniformly and intensely red. The variation in this 
intensity is anxiously marked by the observant practitioner ; and 
he regards with fear and despair the livid or dirty brownish hue 
that gradually creeps on. 

The unfavorable symptoms are, increased coldness of the ears 
and feet, if that be possible ; partial sweats, grinding of the teeth, 
evident weakness, staggering, the animal not lying down. The 
pulse becomes quicker, and weak and fluttering ; the membrane 
of the nose paler, but of a dirty hue ; the animal growing stupid, 
comatose. At length he falls, but he gets up immediately. For 
awhile he is up and down almost every minute, until he is no 
longer able to rise ; he struggles severely ; he piteously groans ; 
the pulse becomes more rapid, fainter, and he dies of suffocation. 
The disease sometimes runs its course with strange rapidity. A 
horse has been destroyed by pure pneumonia in twelve hours 
The vessels ramifying over the cells have yielded to the fearful 
impulse of the blood, and the lungs have presented one mass of 
congestion. 

The favorable symptoms are, the return of a little warmth to 
the extremities — the circulation beginning again to assume its 
natural character, and, next to this, the lying down quietly and 
without uneasiness ; showing us that he is beginning to do with- 
out the auxiliary muscles. These are good symptoms, and they 
will rarely deceive. 

Congestion is a frequent termination of pneumonia. Not only 
are the vessels gorged — the congestion which accompanies com- 
mon inflammation — but their parietes are necessarily so thin, in 
order that the change in the blood may take place although 
they are interposed, that they are easily ruptured, and the cells 
are filled with blood. This effused blood soon coagulates, and 
the lung, when cut into, presents a black, softened, pulpy kind 
of appearance, termed by the farrier and the groom, rottenness, 
and being supposed by them to indicate an old disease. It 
proves only the violence of the disease, the rupture of many a 
vessel surcharged with blood ; and it also proves that the disease 
is of recent date, for in no great length of time, the serous por- 
tion of the blood becomes absorbed, the more solid one becomes 
organized, the cells are obliterated, and the lung is hepatized — 
i.e. assumes the appearance of liver. 

In every case of pneumonia, early and anxious recourse should 
be had to auscultation. Here, again, is the advantage of being 
perfectly acquainted with the deep distant murmur presented by 



INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 189 

the healthy lung. This sound is most distinct in the young 
horse, and especially if he is a little out of condition. On such 
a horse the tyro should commence his study of the exploration of 
the chest. There he will make himself best acquainted with 
the respiratory murmur in its full state of development. He 
should next take an older and somewhat fatter horse ; he will 
there recognize the same sound, but fainter, more distant. In 
still older animals, there will sometimes be a little difficulty in 
detecting it at all. Repeated experiments of this kind will grad- 
ually teach the examiner what kind of healthy murmur he should 
expect from every horse that is presented to him, and thus he 
will be better enabled to appreciate the different sounds exhibited 
under disease. 

If pneumonia exists to any considerable degree, this murmur 
is soon changed for, or mingled with, a curious crepitating 
sound, which having been once heard, cannot afterwards be mis- 
taken. It is caused by the infiltration of blood into the air-cells. 
Its loudness and perfect character will characterize the intensity 
of the disease, and the portion of the chest at which it catt be 
distinguished will indicate its extent. 

The whole lung, however, is not always affected, or thert are 
only portions or patches of it in which the inflammation is so 
intense as to produce congestion and hepatization. Enough 
remains either unaffected, or yet pervious for the function of res- 
piration to be performed, and the animal lingers on, or per- 
haps recovers. By careful examination with the ear, this also 
may be ascertained. Where the lung is impervious — where no 
air passes — no sound will be heard, not even the natural mur- 
mur. Around it the murmur will be heard, and loudly. It will 
be a kind of rushing sound ; for the same quantity of blood must 
be arterialized, and the air must pass more rapidly and forcibly 
through the remaining tubes. 

A horse with any portion of the lungs hepatized cannot be 
sound. He cannot be capable of continued extra exertion. 

Another consequence of inflammation of the substance of the 
lungs is the formation of tubercles. A greater or smaller num- 
ber of distinct cysts are formed — cells into which some fluid is 
poured in the progress of inflammation : these vary in size from 
a pin's point to a large egg. By degrees the fluid becomes con- 
crete or hardened ; and so it continues for a while — the conse- 
quence and the source of inflammation. It occupies a space that 
should be employed in the function of respiration, and by its 
pressure it irritates the neighboring parts, and exposes them to 
inflammation 

By and by, however, another process, never sufficiently ex 
plained, commences. The tubercle begins to soften at its cen- 



190 INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 

tre, — a process of suppuration is set up, and proceeds until the 
contents of the cyst become again fluid, but of a different char- 
acter, for they now consist of pus. The pus increases ; the cyst 
becomes more and more distended ; it encroaches on the sub- 
stance of the lungs ; it comes into contact with other tubercles, 
and the walls opposed to each other are absorbed by their mu- 
tual pressure ; they run together, and form one cyst, or regular 
excavation, and this sometimes proceeds until a considerable 
portion of the lung is, as it were, hollowed out. By and by, 
however, the vomica (tumor) presses upon some bronchial pas- 
sage ; the cyst gives way, and the purulent contents are poured 
into the bronchise, and got rid of by the act of coughing. At 
other times the quantity is too great to be thus disposed of, and 
the animal is suffocated. Occasionally it will break through the 
pleuritic covering of the lung, and pour its contents into the 
thorax. 

Abscesses may exist for a considerable time in the lungr 
undiscovered. 

The resolution or gradual abatement of inflammation is the 
tern ination most to be desired in this state of the disease, for 
then the engorgement of the vessels will gradually cease, the 
effusion into the cells be absorbed, and the lungs will gradually 
resume their former cellular texture, yet not perfectly ; for there 
will be some induration, slight but general ; or some more per- 
fect induration of certain parts ; or the rupture of some of the 
air-cells ; or an irritability of membrane predisposing to renewed 
inflammation. The horse will not always be as useful as before ; 
there will be chronic cough, thick wind, broken wind. 

The first thing to do in pneumonia is to bleed until the pulse 
falters, and the animal bears heavy on the pail. The orifice in 
the vein should be large, that the blood may be extracted as 
quickly as possible. This is the secret of treating the inflam- 
mation of a vital organ. 

Next comes purging, if we dared ; but experience teaches that 
in pneumonia there is such a fatal tendency in the inflammation 
to spread over every mucous membrane, that purging is almost to 
a certainty followed by inflammation, and that inflammation bids 
defiance to every attempt to arrest it. It may be said with per- 
fect confidence that, in the majority of cases, a physic-ball would 
be a dose of poison to a horse laboring under pneumonia. 

May we not relax the bowels ? Yes, if we can stop there. 
We may, after the inflammation has evidently a little subsided, 
venture upon, yet very cautiously, small doses of aloes in our fever 
medicine, and we may quicken their operation by frequent injec- 
tions of warm soap and water ; omitting the purgative, however 
the moment the faeces are becoming softened. We must, how- 



INFLAMMATION OF THE LINOS. \ 91 

ever, be assured that the inflammation is subsiding, and there 
must be considerable constipation, or the purgative had better be 
let alone. 

If we must not give physic, we must endeavor to find some 
other auxiliary to the bleeding, and we have it in the compound 
of digitalis, nitre, and emetic tartar, which has been so often 
recommended. 

The greatest care should be taken of the patient laboiing undei 
this complaint. His legs should be well hand-rubbed, in order to 
iestore, if possible, the circulation to the extremities. Comfort- 
able flannel rollers should encase the legs from the foot to the 
knee. He should be covered up warm. There cannot be a doubt 
about this. As for air, in warm weather he cannot have too 
much. In cold weather, his box must be airy, but not chilly. 
We want to determine the blood to the extremities and the skin 
but not all the clothing in the world will keep our patient warm 
if he is placed in a cold and uncomfortable situation. 

As for food, we think not of it. In nine cases out of ten ht 
will not touch anything ; or if he is inclined to eat, we give hirr 
nothing but a bran-mash, or a little green feed, or a few carrots 

We now look about us for some counter-irritant. Therefore 
we blister the sides and the brisket, and produce all the irritation 
we can on the skin ; and in proportion as we do so, we abate, or 
stand a chance of abating, the inflammation within. 

We have recourse to a blister in preference to a seton ; and 
decidedly so, for our stimulus can be spread over a larger surface, 
— there is more chance of its being applied to the immediate 
neighborhood of the original inflammation — and, most assuredly, 
from the extent of surface on which we can act, we can employ 
a quantity of stimulus beyond comparison greater than a seton 
would permit us to do. Roicels are frequently excellent adju- 
vants (aids) to the blister, but should .not be depended upon alone. 

In the latter stage of disease the blister will not act, because 
the powers of nature are exhausted. We must repeat it, — we 
must rouse the sinking energies of the frame, if we can, although 
the effort will generally be fruitless. The not rising of a blister, 
in the latter stage of the disease, may, too often, be regarded as 
the precursor of death, especially if it is accompanied by a livid 
or brown color of the membrane of the nose. 

Pneumonia, like bronchitis, requires anxious watching. The 
first object is to subdue the inflammation, and our measures must 
be prompt and decisive. If the mouth continues hot, and the 
extremities cold, and the nose red, we must bleed again and again, 
and that in rapid succession. The good which we can do must 
be done at first, or not at all. 

When we have obtained a little returning warmth to the ex- 



192 INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 

trcmities, we must continue to administer our sedative medicines 
without one grain of a carminative or a tonic ; and the return of 
the deathy-cold foot will be a signal for farther depletion. 

The commencement of the state of convalescence requires the 
same guarded practice, as in bronchitis. As many horses are lost 
by impatience now, as by want of decision at first. If we have 
subdued the disease, we should let well alone. We should guard 
against the return of the foe by the continued administration of 
our sedatives in smaller quantities ; but give no tonics unless de 
bility is rapidly succeeding. When we have apparently weath- 
ered the storm, we must still be cautious ; we must consider the 
nature and the seat of the disease, and the predisposition to re- 
turning inflammation. If the season will permit, two or three 
months' run at grass should succeed our medical treatment ; but 
if this is impracticable, we must put off the period of active work 
as long as it can be delayed, and even after that permit the horse 
to return as gradually as may be to his usual employment and 
food.* 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — The diseases of the lungs have been recently 
carefully investigated, and we are enabled to detect three important varie 
ties in the inflammatory affections of the lungs and chest, viz., congestive in- 
flammation of the lungs, or pulmonary apoplexy — pneumonia, or true inflam- 
mation of the lungs — and pleurisy, or pleuritis. The first consists in the 
distention of the small vessels of the lungs with dark venous blood, and is 
generally produced by over-exertion, particularly if the animal, when at 
tacked, is not in proper condition for work. The symptoms are rapid breath 
ing, cold extremities, and short duration of the disease, ending either in death 
or recovery. When death supervenes, the lungs are black, as stated in the 
text. With regard to treatment, bleeding should be adopted if the pulse is 
distinct as well as rapid ; if not, a diffusible stimulant should first be given 
and bleeding should follow. 

True pneumonia is longer in its duration, but the symptoms are often ob 
ecure at first. There is considerable distress, but there does not appear to 
be any active pain ; and in this respect it may generally be distinguished 
from pleurisy. The pulse is full, strong, and rapid — pain, sometimes acute 
but varying from time to time, and the blood presenting a considerable 
quantity of buff, or fibrine. The tendencies of the disease are either the 
deposition of water in the chest, or else fibrous flakes, and sometimes both 
conjoined. 

Sometimes pneumonia and pleurisy are combined together, causing pleuro- 
vneumonia, and then the danger is increased at the same time, as the symp- 
toms are rendered more obscure. 

Blood-letting is one of the first of our remedial measures for these dis- 
eases, but is called for in a more marked degree in pleurisy than in pneu- 
monia. The pulse, however, in both cases must be our guide as to the quan- 
tity to be taken ; and, as stated in the text, a decided effect should be ob- 
tained. Repetition of bleeding, too, may be had recourse to with greater 
freedom, in pleurisy than in pneumonia. In the latter disease, we must take 
care that we do not shipwreck the vital powers by repeated and too copious 
bleeding, or mistake the effects produced by bleeding for the symptoms 
of the disease itself. It is only by the conjoint aids of science and experi 



J'HRO^'C COUGH. 



CHRONIC COUGH. 



193 



Tt would occupy too much space to treat all the causes of this 
obstinate cough. Irritability of the air-passages, occasioned by 
previous inflammation, is the most frequent. It is sometimes 
connected with worms ; it is sometimes caused by glanders. It 
is the necessary attendant of thick or broken wind. 

If a harsh hollow cough is accompanied by a staring coat, and 
the appearance of worms, — a few worm-balls may expel the 
worms, and remove the irritation of the intestinal canal. If it pro- 
ceeds fiom irritability of the air-passages, which will be discov- 
ered by the horse coughing after drinking, or when he first goes 
out of tne stable in the morning, or by his occasionally snorting 
out thicK mucus from the nose, medicines may be given, and 
sometimes with advantage, to diminish irritation generally. 
Small (loses of digitalis, emetic tartar, and nitre, administered 
every mgm, frequently have a beneficial effect, especially when 
mixed witn car, which seems to have a powerful influence in 
allaying the irritation. These balls should, if necessary, be reg; 
ularly given iur a considerable time. They are sufficiently pow- 
erful to quiet slight excitement of this kind, but not to nauseate 
the horse, or interfere with his food or his work. A blister, 
extending from the root of one ear to that of the other, taking in 
the whole of tne channel, and reaching six or eight inches down 

ence that these nice discriminations can be made ; it is therefore the height 
of folly for the inexperienced owner to attempt to treat such cases himself. 

When pleurisy and pneumonia are combined, the symptoms, though ex- 
tremely severe, are yet very obscure, and the chances of successful treatment 
are much diminished, The water in the chest spoken of in the text, is the 
termination of pleurisy, and becomes fatal in a majority of cases (particu- 
larly if, in addition to this serous fluid, flakes of lymph are also thrown out). 
In some cases where water in the chest has supervened early, and the inflam- 
mation has otherwise subsided, relief has been obtained by tapping. 

We have little to add with regard to the treatment of these inflamma- 
tory diseases, except that we do not approve of the many repeated bleed- 
ings advised in the text. It is rarely the case that more than one bleeding 
is desirable, but this in general should be very copious. The best guide as 
to the propriety of bleeding is the strength of the pulse and not its frequency. 
If some hours after the first bleeding, the pulse is still strong and full, as 
well as quick, then bleeding is most probably called for again, and more 
particularly if the blood has exhibited a thick buffy coat. If the first bleed- 
ing has exhibited no buff on the surface, then a repetition of bleeding is 
rarely demanded. Aloes should be always eschewed, and diuretics should 
not be continued after twelve drachms, or two ounces of nitre or resin have 
been taken. We have also found very good effects from the administration 
of small doses of calomel and opium, twice a day, two scruples of the for- 
mer, and one of the latter, being sufficient for a dose ; and we have also 
found an ounce or two of the spirit of nitrous ether very serviceable in the 
early stage of the disease, particularly if the legs and ears are cold, 
13 I 



1J4 THICK-WIND. 

the windpipe, has been tried, and often with good erleet, on the 
supposition that the irritation may exist at the roots of the tongue 
or the larynx. The blister has sometimes been extended through 
the whole course of the windpipe, until it enters the chest. 

Feeding has much influence on this complaiut. Too much 
dry feed, and especially chaiF, increase it. It is aggravated 
when the horse is suffered to eat his litter ; and is often relieved 
when spring tares are given. Carrots afford decided relief. 

The seat of the disease, however, is so uncertain, and all oui 
means and appliances so inefficacious, and the cough itself so 
little interfering, and sometimes interfering not at all with the 
health of the animal, that it is scarcely worth while to persevere 
in any mode of treatment that is not evidently attended with 
benefit. 

When chronic cough chiefly occurs after eating, the seat of 
the disease is evidently in the substance of the lungs. In the 
violent effort of the lungs to discharge their functions, when 
laboring under congestion, irritation is produced, and the act of 
coughing is the consequence.* 1 



THICK-WIND. 

When treating of pneumonia, it was observed, that not only 
are the vessels which spread over the delicate membrane of the 
air-cells gorged with blood, but they are sometimes ruptured, and 
the cells are filled with blood. The black, softened, pulpy 
appearance of the lungs thus produced, has been adverted to. If 
the horse is not destroyed by this injury to the structure of the 
lungs, the serous portion of the effused blood is absorbed, and the 
lung becomes organized in that solid form. Its appearance and 
structure then much resemble that of a liver, and it is said to be 
hepatized. This may occur in patches, or it may involve a con- 
siderable portion of the lung. 

Tf a portion of the lung is thus rendered impervious, the 
remainder will have additional work to perform. The same 
quantity of blood must be supplied with air ; and if the working 
part of the machine is diminished, it must move with great 
velocity as well as force — the respiration must be quicker and 
more laborious. This quick and labored breathing can be de- 
tected even when the animal is at rest ; and it is indicated 
plainly enough by his sad distress when he is urged to unusual 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Chronic cough is generally caused by long-con- 
tinued or neglected catarrh, or sore throat. One of the best remedies for an 
obstinate cough that bids fair to become chronic is a seton under the throat 
*"hich should be kept in seven or eight weeks. 



THICK-WIND. 195 

or continued speed. The inspirations and the expirations are 
shorter, as well as more violent ; the air must be more rapidly 
admitted, and more thoroughly pressed out ; and this is accom- 
panied by a peculiar sound that can rarely be mistaken. 

The inflammatory stage of the disease having passed, the horse 
is restored to comparative health, but in a thick-ivinded state. 
Auscultation will indicate the amount of the hepatization, and it 
wall enable us to distinguish between this cause of thick-wind 
and that thickening of the air-passages which sometimes results 
from bronchitis. 

Of the treatment, little can be said. We know not by what 
means we can excite the absorbents to take up the solid organ- 
ized mass of hepatization, or restore the membrane of the cells, 
and the minute vessels ramifying over them, now confounded 
and lost. We have a somewhat better chance, and yet not much, 
in removing the thickening of the membrane, for counter-irritants, 
extensively and perseveringly applied to the external parietes of 
the chest, may do something. If thick-wind immediately fol- 
lowed bronchitis, it would certainly be justifiable practice to blis- 
ter the brisket and sides, and that repeatedly ; and to administer 
purgatives, if we dared, or diuretics, more effectual than the pur- 
gatives, and always safe. 

Our attention must be principally confined to diet and man- 
agement. A thick- winded horse should have his full proportion, 
or rather more than his proportion of grain, and a diminished 
quantity of less nutritious food, in order that the stomach may 
never be overloaded, and press upon the diaphragm, and so upon 
the lungs, and increase the labor of these already over- worked 
organs. Particular care should be taken that the horse is not 
worked immediately after a full meal. The overcoming of the 
pressure and weight of the stomach, will be a serious addition to 
the extra work which the lungs already have to perform from 
their altered structure. 

Thick-wind may be to some extent palliated by daily exer 
cising the horse to the fair extent of his power, and without seri- 
ously distressing him. 

Thick- wind, however, is not always the consequence of disease. 
There are certain cloddy, round-chested horses, that are naturall) 
thick-winded, at least to a certain extent. They are capable of 
that slow exertion for which nature designed them, but they art 
immediately distressed if put a little out of their usual pace. A 
circular chest, whether the horse is large or small, indicates thick 
wind. 



196 BROKEN- WIND. 



BROKEN-WIND* 



This is immediately recognizable by the manner of breathing 
The inspiration is performed in somewhat less than the natural 
time, and with an increased degree of labor ; but the expiration 
has a peculiar difficulty accompanying it. It is accomplished by 
a double effort, in the first of which, as Mr. Blaine has well 
explained it, " the usual muscles operate ; and in the other, the 
auxiliary muscles, particularly the abdominal, are put on the 
stretch to complete the expulsion more perfectly ; and that being 
done, the flank falls, or the abdominal muscles relax with a 
kind of jerk or spasm." 

This is attributable to an emphysematous state of the lungs. 
The inner membrane of the bronchial tubes swells and partly 
obstructs them. The powerful muscles of inspiration, however, 
overcome that obstruction, and fill the cells of the lungs with air. 
But there are no such muscles to aid expiration — to force the air 
out again. It is left chiefly to the elasticity of the parts — suffi- 
cient when the bronchial tubes are in their ordinary unobstructed 
condition, but not sufficient when they are so obstructed as to 
require considerable force to press the air through them. Ac- 
cordingly the air remains imprisoned in the cells, and every suc- 
ceeding inspiration introduces more air into them until they are 
ruptured, or the dilated condition becomes permanent. 

Broken- wind is preceded or accompanied by cough — a cough 
perfectly characteristic, and by which the horseman would, in the 
dark, detect the existence of the disease. It is short — seemingly 
cut short — grunting, and followed by wheezing. When the ani- 
mal is suddenly struck or threatened, there is a low grunt of the 
same nature as that of roaring, but not so loud. Broken- wind is 
usually preceded by cough ; the cough becomes chronic, leads on 
to thick-wind, and then there is but a step to broken- wind. It is 
the consequence of the cough which accompanies catarrh and 
bronchitis oftener than that attending or following pneumonia ; 
and of inflammation, and probably, thickening of the membrane 
of the bronchiae, rather than of congestion of the air-cells. 

A troublesome cough, and sometimes of long continuance, is 
the foundation of the disease, or indicates that irritable state of 
the bronchial membrane with which broken- wind is almost neces- 
sarily associated. Horses that are greedy feeders, or devour large 
quantities of slightly nutritious food, or are worked with a stom- 
ach distended by this food, are very subject to broken-wind. 
More depends upon the management of the food and exercise than 
is generally supposed. The post-horse, the coach-horse, and the 

* Called Heaves in the United States. 



BROKEN-WIND 197 

racer, are comparatively seldom broken-winded. They are fed, 
at stated periods, on nutritious food that lies in little compass, and 
their hours of feeding and of exertion are so arranged that they 
seldom work on a full stomach. The agricultural horse is toe 
often fed on the very refuse of the farm, and his hours of feeding, 
and his hours of work, are frequently irregular ; and the carriage- 
horse, although fed on more nutritious food, is often summoned 
to work, by his capricious master, the moment his meal is de- 
voured. 

A rapid gallop on a full stomach has often produced broken- 
wind ; but generally, probably, there has been some gradual prep- 
aration for the result. There has been chronic cough, more than 
usually disturbed respiration after exercise, &c. Galloping after 
drinking has been censured as a cause of broken-wind, but it is 
not half so dangerous as galloping with a stomach distended with 
food. 

It is said that broken-winded horses are foul feeders, because 
they devour almost everything that comes in their way. and thus 
impede the play of the lungs ; but there is so much sympathy be- 
tween the respiratory and digestive systems, that one cannot be 
much deranged without the other evidently suffering. Flatu- 
lence, and a depraved appetite, may be the consequence as well 
as the cause of broken- wind ; and there is no pathological fact of 
more frequent occurrence than the co-existence of indigestion and 
flatulence with broken-wind. 

The narrow-chested horse is more subject to broken- wind than 
the broader and deeper chested one, for there is not so much room 
for the lungs to expand when rapid progression requires the full 
discharge of their function. 

Is broken- wind hereditary ? We believe so. It may be re- 
ferred to hereditary conformation — to a narrower chest, and more 
fragile membrane — and predisposition to take on those inflamma- 
tory diseases which end in broken- wind ; and the circular chest, 
which cannot enlarge its capacity when exertion requires it, must 
render both thick and broken-wind of more probable occurrence. 

Is . there any cure for broken- wind ? None ! No medical skill 
can repair the broken-down structure of the lungs. 

If, however, we cannot cure, we may in some degree palliate 
broken-wind ; and, first of all, we must attend carefully to the 
feeding. The food should lie in little compass — plenty of oats 
and little hay, but no cl aff. Chaff is particularly objectionable, 
from the rapidity with v* lich it is devoured, and the stomach dis- 
tended Water should oe given in moderate quantities, but the 
horse should not be suffered to drink as much as he likes until the 
day's work is over. Green feed will always be serviceable. Car- 
rots an- particularly useful. They are readily digested, and ap- 



1 98 BROKEN-WIND. 

pear to have a peculiarly beneficial effect on the respiratory 
system. 

Many horses become broken-winded even in the straw-yard. 
Keeping the stomach constantly distended to get enough nutriment 
from such poor feed, and consequently habitually pressing on the 
lungs, the latter are easily ruptured when the horse plays with 
his companions. 

The pursive or broken- winded horse should be exercised daily 
By attention to this and to his feeding he may be rendered com- 
fortable to himself, and no great nuisance to his owner. Occa- 
sional physic, or alterative medicine, will often give considerable 
relief where the broken-winded animal has been urged unpre- 
pared, or with a stomach full of food, on a journey, and is suffer- 
ing the consequences of it. 

Thick- wind and broken- wind exist in various degrees, and with 
many shades of difference. They have assumed various names. 

Pipers make a shrill noise when in quick action. This is a 
speries of roaring. The wheezer utters a sound not unlike that 
of an asthmatic person when a little hurried. This can be heard 
even when the horse is at rest in the stable. The whistler utters 
a shriller sound than the wheezer, but only when in exercise, and 
that of some continuance. A sharp gallop up hill will speedily 
detect it. It is a great nuisance to the rider, and such a horse 
becomes speedily distressed. 

When the obstruction seems to be principally in the nose, the 
horse loudly puffs and blows, and the nostrils are dilated to the 
utmost, while the flanks are comparatively quiet. This animal 
is said to be a High-blower.* With all" his apparent distress, 
he often possesses great speed and endurance. The sound is un- 
pleasant, but the lungs may be perfectly sound. 

Every horse violently exercised on a full stomach, or when 
overloaded with fat, will grunt almost like a hog ; but there are 
some horses who will at all times emit it, if suddenly touched with 
the whip or spur. They are called Grunters, and should be 
avoided. It is the consequence of previous disease, and is fre- 
quently followed by thick or broken- wind, or roaring. f 

* Eclipse (the English horse of that name), perhaps as good a horse as 
ever run, was a high-blower. — Am. Ed. 

f Note by Mr. Spooner. — The term piper is applied solely to a broken- 
winded horse, and not to any variety of roar' r. The terms wheezing and 
whistling are simply varieties of roaring, and e <press the noise made in the 
act of respiration. [Mr. Spooner's description >f the pathology and treat- 
ment of broken-wind offers nothing of importance that is not found in the 






CONSUMPTION. 199 



PHTHISIS PULMONALIS, OR CONSUMPTION. 

This fatal complaint is usually connected with, or the conse- 
quence of, pneumonia or pleurisy, and especially in horses of a 
peculiar formation or temperament. 

If a narrow-chested, flat-sided horse is attacked by inflamma- 
tion of the lungs, or severe catarrhal fever, experience tells us 
that we shall have more difficulty in subduing the disease in him. 
than in one deeper in the girth or rounder in the chest. 

When this disease has been properly treated, and apparently 
subdued, this horse cannot be quickly and summarily dismissed to 
his work. He is sadly emaciated — he long continues so — his coat 
stares — his skin clings to his ribs — his belly is tucked up, notwith- 
standing that he may have plenty of mashes, and carrots, and 
green meat, and medicine — his former gaiety and spirit do not re- 
turn, or if he is willing to work he is easily tired, sweating on the 
least exertion, and the sweat most profuse about the chest and 
sides — his appetite is not restored, or, perhaps, never has been 
good, and the slightest exertion puts him completely off his feet. 

We observe him more attentively, and, even as he stands quiet 
in his stall, the flanks heave a little more laboriously than they 
should do, and that heaving is painfully quickened when sudden 
exertion is required. He coughs sorely, and discharges from the 
nose a mucus tinged with blood, or a fluid decidedly purulent — 
the breath becomes offensive — the pulse is always above 40, and 
strangely increased by the slightest exertion. 

When many of these symptoms are developed, the animal will 
exhibit considerable pain on being gently struck on some part of 
the chest ; the cough then becomes more frequent and painful ; 
the discharge from the nose more abundant and fetid, and the 
emaciation and consequent debility more rapid, until death closes 
the scene. 

The lesions that are presented after death are very uncertain 
Generally there are tubercles ; sometimes very minute, at other 
times large in size. They are in different states of softening, and 
some of them have burst into the bronchial passages, and exhibit 
abscesses of enormous bulk. Other portions of the lungs are 
shrunk, flaccid, indurated or hepatized, and of a pale or red-brown 
color ; and there are occasional adhesions between the lungs and 
the sides of the chest. 

There is some difficulty in deciding whether consumption is 
hereditary ; but those conformations which lead to this disease 
are hereditary, and thus far the disease is. 

If the horse is not very bad, and it is spring of the year, a run 
at grass may be tried. But the apparent amelioration is often 
transient. 



5*00 PLEURISY. 

The medical treatment, if any is tried, will depend on two si«f\ 
pie and unerring guides, the pulse and the membrane of ti»< 
nose. If the first is quick and hard, and the second streaked with 
red, bleeding should be resorted to, Small bleedings of one 01 
two quarts, omitted when the pulse :s quieted and the nostril is 
pale, may be effected. Counter-irritants will rarely do harm. 
They should be applied in the form of blisters, extending over the 
sides, and thus brought as near as possible to the affected part. 
Sedative medicines should be perseveringly administered : and 
here, as in acute inflammation, the chief dependence will be 
placed on digitalis. It should be given in small doses until a 
slightly intermittent pulse is produced, and that state of the con- 
stitution should be maintained by a continued exhibition of the 
medicine. Nitre may be added as a diuretic, and pulvis anti- 
monialis as a diaphoretic. 

Any tonics here ? Yes, the tonic effect of mild and nutritious 
food — green food of almost every kind, carrots particularly, 
mashes, and now and then a malt mash. 

But anything like a cure in confirmed phthisis is out of the 
question, and all the practitioner can do is to detect the dis- 
ease in its earliest state, and allay the irritation which causes 01 
accompanies the growth of the tubercles. 



PLEURISY. 

The prevailing causes of pleurisy are the same as those which 
produce pneumonia — exposure to wet and cold, sudden altera- 
tions of temperature, partial exposure to cold, riding against a 
keen wind, immersion as high as the chest in cold water, drink- 
ing cold water, and extra work of the respiratory machine. To 
these may be added, wounds penetrating into the thorax and la- 
cerating the pleura, fracture of the ribs, or violent contusions on 
the side, the inflammation produced by which is propagated 
through the parietes of the chest. 

It is sometimes confined to one side, or to one of the pleura on 
either side, or even to patches on that pleura, whether pulmonary 
(of the lungs), or costal (of the ribs). 

The first symptom is rigor (chill) followed by increased heat 
and partial sweats : to these succeed loss of appetite and spirits, 
and a low and painful cough. The inspiration is a short, sudden 
effort, and broken off before it is fully accomplished, indicating 
the pain felt from the distention of the irritable, because inflamed, 
membrane. This symptom is exceedingly characteristic. In th** 
human being it is well expressed by the term stitch, and an ex- 
ceedingly painful feeling it is. The expiration is retard**! as 



BOTS. 209 

A species of gad-fly, e, the cetrus equi, is in the latter part of 
the summer exceedingly busy about the horse. It is observed 
to be darting with great rapidity towards the knees and sides of 
the animal. The females are depositing their eggs on the hair, 
and which adhere to it by means of a glutinous fluid with 
which they are surrounded (a and b). In a few days the eggs 
are ready to be hatched, and the slightest application of warmth 
and moisture will liberate the little animals which they contain. 
The horse in licking himself touches the egg ; it bursts, and a 
small worm escapes, which adheres to the tongue, and is con- 
veyed with the food into the stomach. There it clings to the 
cuticular portion of the stomach, c, by means of a hook on 
either side of its mouth ; and its hold is so firm and so obstinate, 
that it must be broken before it can be detached. It remains 
there feeding on the mucus of the stomach during the whole of 
the winter, and until the end of the ensuing spring ; when, 
having attained a considerable size, d, and being destined to 
undergo a certain transformation, it disengages itself from the 
cuticular coat, is carried into the villous portion of the stomach 
with the food, passes out of it with the chyme, and is evacuated 
with the dung. 

The larva or maggot seeks shelter in the ground, and buries 
itself there ; it contracts in size, and becomes a chrysalis or 
grub, in which state it lies inactive for a few weeks, and then, 
bursting from its confinement, assumes the form of a fly. The 
female, becoming impregnated, quickly deposits her eggs on 
those parts of the horse which he is most accustomed to lick, 
and thus the species is perpetuated. 

There are several plain conclusions to be drawn from this 
history. The bots cannot, while they inhabit the stomach of the 
horse, give the animal any pain, for they have fastened on the 
cuticular and insensible coat. They cannot be injurious to the 
horse, for he enjoys the most perfect health when the cuticular 
part of his stomach is filled with them, and their presence is 
not even suspected until they appear at the anus. They cannot 
be removed by medicine, because they are not in that part of 
the stomach to which medicine is usually conveyed ; and if they 
were, their mouths are too deeply buried in the mucus for any 
medicine, that can be safely administered, to affect them ; and, 
last of all, in due course of time they detach themselves, and 
come away. Therefore, the wise man will leave them to them- 
selves, or content himself with picking them off when they col- 
lect under the tail and annoy the animal. 

The smaller bot, / and g, is not so frequently found. 

Of inflammation of the stomach of the horse, except from 
poisonous herbs, or drugs, we know little. It rarely occurs. It 



210 THE INTESTINES. 

can with difficulty be distinguished from inflammation of th<j 
bowels ; and, in either case, the assistance of the veterinary sur- 
geon is required. 

Few horses are destroyed by poisonous plants in out meadows 
Natural instinct teaches the animal to avoid the greater part of 
those that would be injurious. 

THE INTESTINES. 

The food having been partially digested in the stomach, and 
converted into chyme, passes through the pyloric or'^ce into the 
intestines. 

Fig. 29. 

9 




a The commencement of the small intestines. The ducts which convey the 
bile and the secretion from the pancreas are seen entering a little below. 
b b The convolutions or winding of the small intestines. 

c A portion of the mesentery. 

d The small intestines, terminating in the caecum. 

e The caecum, or blind gut, with the bands running along it, puckering and 
dividing it into numerous cells. 

f The beginning of the colon. 
% g The continuation and expansion of the colon, divided, like the caecum, into 
cells. 

h The termination of the colon in the l'ectum. 

i The termination of the rectum at the anus. 

The intestines of a full-grown horse are not less than ninety 
feet in length. They are divided into the small and large intes- 
tines ; the former of which occupy about sixty-six feet, and the 
latter twenty-four. 

The intestines, like the stomach, are composed of three coats 
viz., the peritoneum, the middle coat, and the mucous or villous 
one inside of the others. 



THE INTESTINES. 211 

The intestines are chiefly retained in their relative positions 
by the mesentery, c, (middle of the intestines), which is a 
doubling of the peritoneum, including each intestine in its folds-* 
and also inclosing in its duplicatures the arteries, the veins, the 
nerves, and the vessels which convey the nutriment from the 
intestines to the circulation. 

The first of the small intestines, and commencing from the 
right extremity of the stomach, is the duodenum, a. It is the 
largest and shortest of all the small intestines. It receives the 
food partially converted into chyme by the digestive power of 
the stomach, and in which it undergoes another and very im 
portant change ; a portion of it being converted into chyle. It 
is here mixed with the bile and the secretion from the pancreas 
which enter this intestine about five inches from its commence- 
ment. The bile seems to be the principal agent in this change, 
for no sooner does it mingle with "the chyme than that fluid 
begins to be separated into two distinct ingredients — a white, 
thick liquid termed chyle, and containing the nutritive part of 
the food, and a yellow, pulpy substance, the innutritive portion, 
which, when the chyle is all pressed from it, is evacuated through 
the rectum. 

The next portion of the small intestines is the Jejunum, so 
called because it is generally found to be empty. It is smaller 
in bulk and paler in color than the duodenum. It is more 
loosely confined in the abdomen — floating comparatively unat- 
tached in the cavity of the abdomen, and the passage of the 
food being comparatively rapid through it. 

There is no separation or distinction between it and the next 
intestine — the Ileum. Together they form that portion of the 
intestinal tube which floats in the umbilical region : the latter, 
however, is said to occupy three-fifths, and the former two-fifths, 
of this portion of the intestines, and the five would contain about 
eleven gallons of fluid. The ileum diminishes in size as it ap- 
proaches the larger intestines. 

These two intestines are attached to the spine by a loose 
doubling of the peritoneum, and float freely in the abdominal 
cavity. 

The large intestines are three in number : — the ccecum, the 
colon, and the rectum. The first of them is the ccecum (blind 
gut), e, — it has but one opening into it, and consequently every- 
thing that passes into it, having reached the blind or closed end, 
must return, in order to escape. It is not a continuation of the 
ileum, but the ileum pierces the head of it, as it were, at right 
angles (d) and projects some way into it, and has a valve — the 
valvula coli — at its extremity, so that what has traversed the 
ileum and entered the head of the colon, cannot return into the 



212 



THE INTESTINES. 



ileum. Along the outside of tlie caecum run three strong bands, 
each of them shorter than that intestine, and thus puckering it 



Fig. 30. 




up, and forming it into three 
sets of cells, as shown in the 
accompanying side cut. 

That portion of the food 
which has not been taken up 
by the lacteals or absorbent 
vessels of the small intestines, 
passes through this valvulai 
opening of the ileum, and a 
part of it enters the colon, 
while the remainder flow* 
into the caecum. Then, from 
this being a blind pouch, and 
from the cellular structure of 
this pouch, the food must be 
detained in it a very long time ; and in order that, during this 
detention, all the nutriment may be extracted, the csecum and its 
cells are largely supplied with blood-vessels and absorbents. It is 
principally the fluid part of the food that seems to enter the csecum. 
A horse will drink at one time a great deal more than his stomach 
will contain ; or even if he drinks a less quantity, it remains not 
in the stomach or small intestines, but passes on to the caecum, 
and there is retained, as in a reservoir, to supply the wants 
of the system. The caecum will hold four gallons. 

The colon is an intestine of exceedingly large dimensions, and 
is capable of containing no less than twelve gallons of liquid or 
pulpy food. It has likewise, in the greater part of its course, 
three bands like the caecum, which also divide it, internally, into 
the same description of cells. The intention of this is evident, — 
to retard the progress of the food, and to give a more extensive 
surface on which the vessels of the lacteals may open ; and 
therefore, in the colon, all the chyle is finally separated and 
taken up. The food does not require to be much longer detained, 
and the mechanism for detaining it is gradually disappearing. 
The colon, also, once more contracts in size, and the chyle hav- 
ing been all absorbed, the remaining mass, being of a harder 
consistence, is moulded into pellets or balls in its passage through 
these shallower cells. 

At the termination of the colon, the rectum (straight gut) 
commences. It is smaller in circumference and capacity than 
the colon, although it will contain at least three gallons of water. 
It serves as a reservoir for the dung until it is evacuated The 
faeces descend to the rectum, which somewhat enlarges to receive 
them ; and when they have accumulated to a certain extent the 



THE LIVER PANCREAS SPLEEN OMENTUM. 213 

animal, by the aid of the diaphragm and the muscles of the 
belly, presses upon them, and they are evacuated. A curious 
circular muscle, and always in action, called the sphincter (con- 
strictor muscle), is placed at the anus, to prevent the constant 
and unpleasant dropping of the faeces, (dung) and to retain them 
until the horse is disposed voluntarily to expel them. 

THE LIVER. 

Between the stomach and the diaphragm — its right lobe or 
division in contact with the diaphragm, the duodenum and the 
right kidney, and the middle and left divisions with the stomach 
— is the liver. It is an irregularly-shaped, reddish-brown sub- 
stance, of considerable bulk, and performs a very singular and 
important office. 

The blood brought back by the veins from the stomach, intes- 
tines, spleen, pancreas, and mesentery, instead of flowing directly 
to the heart, pass first through the liver. As the blood traverses 
this organ, the bile is separated from it, and discharged through 
the hepatic duct directly into the duodenum, without the inter- 
vention of any gall-bladder, as is found in most animals. The 
bile is probably a kind of excrement, the continuance of which 
in the blood would be injurious, and it doubtless aids in the pro- 
cess of digestion. 

THE PANCREAS. 

In the domestic animals which are used for food, this organ is 
called the sweet-bread. It lies between the stomach and left 
kidney. It secretes a fluid which is carried into the intestines 
by a duct which enters at the same aperture with that from the 
liver. The specific use of this fluid is unknown, but is clearly 
employed in aiding the process of digestion. 

THE SPLEEN. 

This organ, often called the melt, is a long, bluish-brown sub- 
stance, broad and thick at one end, and tapering at the other ; 
lying along the left side of the stomach, and between it and the 
short ribs. The particular use of this organ has never been 
clearly ascertained, for in some cruel experiments it has been 
removed without apparent injury to digestion or any other func- 
tion. 

THE OMENTUM. 

Or cawl, is a doubling of the peritoneum, or rather consists o( 



214 TI£E OMENTUM. 

four layers of it. It has been supposed to have been placed be- 
tween the intestines and the walls of the belly, in c rder to 
prevent concussion and injury during the rapid movement oi 
the animal. That, however, cannot be its principal use in the 
horse, from whom the most rapid movements are required ; for 
in him it is unusually short, extending only to the pancreas and 
a small portion of the colon. Being, however, thus short, the 
horse is exempt from a very troublesome, and occasionally, fatal 
6pecies of rupture, when a portion of the omentum penetrates 
through some accidental opening in the covering of the belly. 



CHAPTER X. 



THE DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES. 

These form a very important and mysterious class of ailments. 
They will be considered in the - order in which the various con- 
tents of the abdomen have been described. 



THE DUODENUM. 

This intestine is subject to many more diseases than are in- 
cluded in the present imperfect veterinary nosology. The pas- 
sage of the food through it has been impeded by stricture. The 
symptoms resemble those of colic and end in death. It has been 
perforated by bots, which have escaped into the abdomen, caus- 
ng death. 

The diseases of the jejunum and the ileum consist either of 
spasmodic affection or inflammation. 



SPASMODIC COLIC. 

The passage of the food through the intestinal canal is effected 
by the alternate contraction and relaxation of the muscular coat 
of the intestines. When that action is simply increased through 
the whole of the canal, the food passes more rapidly, and purg- 
ing is produced ; but the muscles of every part of the frame are 
liable to irregular and spasmodic action, and the muscular coat 
of some portion of the intestines may be thus affected. The 
spasm may be confined to a very small part of the canal. The 
gut has been found, after death, strangely contracted in various 
places, but the contraction not exceeding five or six inches in 
any of them. In the horse, the ileum is the usual seat of this 
disease. It is of much importance to distinguish between spas- 
modic colic and inflammation of the bowels, for the symptoms 
have considerable resemblance, although the mode of treatment 
should be very different. 

The attack of colic is usually very sudden. There is often 



216 SPASMODIC COlJC. 

not the slightest warning. The horse begins to shift his posture, 
look round at his flanks, paw violently, strike his belly with his 
feet, and crouch in a peculiar manner, advancing his hind limbs 
under him ; he will then suddenly lie, or rather fall down, and 
balance himself upon his back, with his feet resting on his belly. 
The pain now seems to cease for a little while, and he gets up, 
and shakes himself, and begins to feed ; the respite, however, is 
but short — the spasm returns more violently — every indication ol 
pain is increased — he heaves at the flanks, breaks out into a pro- 
fuse perspiration, and throws himself more recklessly about. In 
the space of an hour or two, either the spasms begin to relax, 
and the remissions are of longer duration, or the torture is aug- 
mented at every paroxysm ; the intervals of ease are fewer and 
less marked, and inflammation and death supervene. The pulse 
is but little affected at the commencement, but it soon becomes 
frequent and contracted, and at length is scarcely tangible. 

It will presently be seen that many of the symptoms very 
closely resemble those of inflammation of the mucous membrane 
of the bowels : it may therefore be useful to point out the lead- 
ing distinctions between them. 

COLIC. INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 

Sudden in its attack. Gradual in its approach, with pre- 
vious indications of fever. 

Pulse rarely much quickened in Pulse very much quickened, but 

the early period of the disease, and small, and often scarcely to be felt, 
during the intervals of ease ; but 
evidently fuller. 

Legs and ears of the natural tem- Legs and ears cold. 
perature. 

Relief obtained from rubbing the Belly exceedingly tender and pain- 
belly, ful to the touch. 

Relief obtained from motion. Motion evidently increasing the 

pain. 

Intervals of rest. Constant pain. 

Strength scarcely affected. Rapid and great weakness. 

Among the causes of colic are, the drinking of cold water 
when the horse is heated. There is not a surer origin of violent 
spasm than this. Hard water is very apt to produce this effect. 
Colic will sometimes follow the exposure of a horse to the cold 
air or a cold wind after strong exercise. Green feed, although, 
generally speaking, most beneficial to the horse, yet, given in too 
large a quantity, or when he is hot, will frequently produce 
gripes. Doses of aloes, both large and small, are not unfreqnent 
causes of colic. In some horses there seems to be a constitu 
tional predisposition to colic. They cannot be hardly wcrked, 
or exposed to unusual cold, without a fit of it. In many cases, 
when these horses have died, calculi have been found in some 



SPASMODIC COLIC. 



91 r 



part of the alimentary canal. Habitual costiveness and the 
presence of calculi are frequent causes of spasmodic colic. The 
seat of colic is occasionally the duodenum, but oftener the ileum 
or the jejunum ; sometimes, however, both the caecum and colon 
are affected. 

Fortunately we are acquainted with several medicines thai 
allay these spasms ; and the disease often ceases almost as sud- 
denly as it appeared. Turpentine is one of the most powerful 
remedies, especially in union with opium, and in good warm ale. 
The account that has just been given of the caecum will not be 
forgotten here. A solution of aloes will be advantageously added 
to the turpentine and opium. 

If relief is not obtained in half an hour, it will be prudent to 
bleed, for the continuance of violent spasm may produce inflam- 
mation. Some practitioners bleed at first, and it is far from bad 
practice ; for although the majority of cases will yield to turpen- 
tine, opium, and aloes, an early bleeding may occasionally pre- 
vent the recurrence of inflammation, or at least mitigate it. If 
it is clearly a case of colic, half of the first dose may be repeated, 
with aloes dissolved in warm water. The stimulus produced on 
the inner surface of the bowels by the purgative may counteract 
the irritation that caused the spasm. The belly should be well 
rubbed with a brush or warm cloth, but not bruised and injured 
by the broom-handle rubbed over it, with all their strength, by 
two great fellows. The horse should be walked about, or trotted 
moderately. The motion thus produced in the bowels, and the 
friction of one intestine over the other, may relax the spasm, but 
the hasty gallop might speedily cause inflammation to succeed 
to colic. Clysters of warm water, or containing a solution of 
aloes, should be injected. The patent syringe will here be ex- 
ceedingly useful. A clyster of tobacco-smoke may be thrown up 
48 a last resort. 

When relief has been obtained, the clothing of the horse, satu- 
rated with perspiration, should be removed, and fresh and dry 
clothes substituted. He should be well littered down in a warm 
stable or box, and have bran mashes and lukewarm water for the 
next two or three days. 

Some persons give gin, or gin aad pepper, or even spirit of pi- 
mento, in cases of gripes. This course of proceeding is, however, 
exceedingly objectionable. It may be useful, or even sufficient 
in ordinary cases of colic ; but if there should be any inflamma- 
tion, or tendency to inflammation, it cannot fail to be highly in- 
jurious.* 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — It is very important to discriminate accurately 
between colic and inflammation of the bowels. The principal distinctive 

J 



218 FLATULENT COLJO. 



FLATULENT COLIC. 

This is altogether a different disease from the former. It. is 
not spasm of the bowels, but inflation of them from the presence 
of gas emitted by undigested food. Whether collected in the 
stomach, or small or large intestines, all kinds of vegetable mat- 
ter are liable to ferment. In consequence of this fermentation, 
gas is evolved to a greater or less extent — perhaps to twenty or 

symptoms are these : in colic, although the pain is excessive, there are yet 
occasional remissions of the paroxysms; whilst in inflammation of the bow- 
els, the agony continues without remission, but varying in severity according 
to the violence of the disease. The pulse, too, in the latter disease is rapid, 
and often small and thready ; whilst in the former, though it becomes more 
rapid during the paroxysms, it subsides during the intervals of ease. A 
careful examination of these distinctions will generally be sufficient to pre 
vent any mistake with regard to the character of the disease. Indeed, we 
must not rely on any others. 

There appears to be three varieties of colic, spasmodic, flatulent, and ster- 
coral, or that which proceeds from constipation or obstruction in the bowels. 
The symptoms vary with the situation of the disease — whether in the stum 
ach, the small, or the large intestines. Flatulent colic generally affects either 
the stomach or the large intestines. When the former, it is extremely dan- 
gerous, and yet is relieved with greater rapidity than when elsewhere ex- 
isting. In a case that proved fatal before any remedy was resorted to, the 
stomach was found by the present writer distended to three times its ordi- 
nary size. Flatulent may be distinguished from spasmodic colic principally 
by the great distention of the abdomen which takes place ; whilst stercoral 
colic is marked by the less violent, though more obstinate, continuance of the 
symptoms of pain. 

For flatulent colic one of the best remedies is sulphuric ether, combined 
with the tincture of opium, and even in other cases it is preferable to the 
spirits of turpentine, which is apt to irritate and inflame the throat whilst 
being administered, and the bowels likewise, if there is any accession of in- 
flammation. If relief is not obtained in the course of an hour, bleeding 
should be resorted to ; and, if constipation is present, a watery infusion of 
aloes, or a dose of oil, should be given with the antispasmodic. In stercoral 
colic, dependence must be placed on relieving the obstruction, and at the 
same time keeping down pain and irritation by means of an opiate. For 
these purposes large doses of linseed oil, such as a pint three times a day, 
with an ounce of the tincture of opium, should be given until the desired ob- 
ject is attained. It is better, however, after the exhibition of a few doses, to 
substitute the watery infusion of opium for the spirit, as being less likely to 
produce inflammation. By steadily pursuing this system of treatment, we 
have, in many of the most obstinate and formidable cases, succeeded in es- 
tablishing a cure. Other means, however, such as repeated and copious in- 
jections, should be had recourse to in addition ; and, as soon as the bowels 
become relaxed, means should be used to counteract the excessive purgation 
which follows, which, if effected by ordinary medicines, would be exceed 
ngly dangerous, but when produced by means of linseed oil, is compara- 
tively without danger. Drenches of thick flour gruel should be given ; with 
two ounces of prepared chalk, and two drachms of tincture of opium, to stay 
the bowels. 



FLATULENT COLIC. 21 9 

thirty times the bulk of the tbod. This may take place in the 
stomach ; and it" so, the life of the horse is in immediate danger, for, 
as will plainly appear from the account that has been given of the 
oesophagus and upper orifice of the stomach, the animal has no pow- 
er to expel this dangerous flatus (wind) by eructation (belching.) 
This extrication of gas usually takes place in the colon and 
caecum, and the distention may be so great as to rupture either 
the one or the other, or sometimes to produce death, without either 
rupture or strangulation, and that in the course of from four to 
twenty-four hours. 

An overloaded stomach is one cause of it, and particularly so 
when water is given either immediately before or after a plentiful 
meal, or food to which the horse has not been accustomed is given. 
The symptoms, according to Professor Stewart, are, " the horse 
suddenly slackening his pace — preparing to lie down, or falling 
down as if he were shot. In the stable he paws the ground with 
his fore-feet, lies down, rolls, starts up all at once, and throws 
himself down again with great violence, looking wistfully at his 
flanks, and making many fruitless attempts to void his urine." 

Hitherto the symptoms are not much unlike spasmodic colic, 
but the real character of the disease soon begins to develope it- 
self It is in one of the large intestines, and the belly swells all 
round, but mostly on the right flank. As the disease proceeds, the 
pain becomes more intense, the horse more violent, and at length 
death closes the scene. 

The treatment is considerably different from that of spasmodic 
colic. The spirit of pimento would be here allowed, or the tur- 
pentine and opium drink ; but if the pain, and especially the 
swelling, do not abate, the gas, which is the cause of it, must be 
got rid of, or the animal is inevitably lost. 

This is usually, or almost invariably, a combination of hydrogen 
with some other gas. It has a strong affinity for chlorine. Then 
if some compound of chlorine — the chloride of lime — dissolved in 
water, is administered in the form of a drink, this gives speedy 
relief. 

Where these two medicines are not at hand, and the danger is 
imminent, the trochar may be used, in order to open a way for 
the escape of the gas. The trochar should be small, but longer 
than that which is used for the cow, and the puncture should be 
made in the middle of the right flank, for there the large intes- 
tines are most easily reached. In such a disease it cannot be ex- 
pected that the intestines shall always be found precisely in their 
natural situations, but usually the origin of the ascending portion 
of the colon, or the base of the caecum will be pierced. The au- 
tho i of this work, however, deems it his duty to add, that it is only 
when the practitioner despairs of otherwise saving the life of the 



220 INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS ENTERITIS. 

wiimal that this operation should be attempted. Much of the 
danger would be avoided by using a very small trochar, and by 
withdrawing it as soon as the gas has escaped. The wound in 
the intestines will then probably close, from the innate elasticity 
of the parts. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 

There are two varieties of this malady. The first is inflam- 
mation of the external coats of the intestines, accompanied by 
considerable fever, and usually costiveness. The second is that 
of the internal or mucous coat, and almost invariably connect- 
ed with purging. 

ENTERITIS. 

The muscular coat is that which is oftenest affected . Inflamma- 
tion of the external coats of the stomach, wehther the peritoneal or 
muscular, or both, is a very frequent and fatal disease. It speedily 
runs its course, and it is of great consequence that its early symp- 
toms should be known. If the horse has been carefully observed, 
restlessness and fever will have been seen to precede the attack. 
In many cases a direct shivering fit will occur : the mouth will 
be hot, and the nose red. The animal will soon express the most 
dreadful pain by pawing, striking at his belly, looking wildly at 
his flanks, groaning, and rolling. The pulse will be quickened 
and small ; the ears and legs cold ; the belly tender, and some 
times hot ; the breathing quickened ; the bowels costive ; and the 
animal becoming rapidly and fearfully weak. 

The reader will probably here recur to the sketch given in page 
216, of the distinction between spasmodic colic and inflammation 
of the bowels, or enteritis. 

The causes of this disease are, first of all and most frequently 
sudden exposure to cold. If a horse that has been highly fed 
carefully groomed, and kept in a warm stable, is heated with ex- 
ercise, and has been during some hours without food, and in this 
state of exhaustion is suffered to drink freely of cold water, or is 
drenched with rain, or have his legs and belly washed with cold 
water, an attack of inflammation of the bowels will often follow 
An over-fed horse, subjected to severe and long-continued exertion, 
if his lungs were previously weak, will probably be attacked by 
inflammation of them ; but if the lungs were sound, the bowels 
will on the following day be the seat of disease. Stones in the 
intestines are an occasional cause of inflammation, and colic neg- 
lected or wrongly treated will terminate in it. 

The horse paws and stamps as in colic, but without the inter- 
vals of ease that occur in that disease. The pulse also is far 



ENTERITIS. 221 

quicker than in colic. The breathing is more hurried, and the 
indication of suffering more evident. " The next stage," in the 
graphic language of Mr. Percival, " borders on delirium. The 
eye acquires a wild, haggard, unnatural stare — the pupil dilates 
— his heedless and dreadful throes render approach to him quite 
perilous. He is an object not only of compassion but of appre- 
hension, and seems fast hurrying to his end ; when, all at once, 
in the midst of agonizing torments, he stands quiet, as though 
every pain had left him, and he were going to recover. His 
breathing becomes tranquillized — his pulse sunk beyond all per- 
ception — his body bedewed with a cold, clammy sweat — he is in 
a tremor from head to foot, and about the legs and ears has even 
a death-like feel. The mouth feels deadly chill ; the lips drop 
pendulous ; and the eye seems unconscious of objects. In fine, 
death, not recovery, is at hand. Mortification has seized the in- 
flamed bowel — pain can no longer be felt in that which, a few 
minutes ago, was the seat of exquisite suffering. He again be- 
comes convulsed, and in a few more struggles, less violent than the 
former, he expires." 

The treatment of inflammation of the bowels, like that of the 
lungs, should be prompt and energetic. The first and most pow- 
erful means of cure will be bleeding. From six to eight or ten 
quarts of blood, in fact, as much as the horse can bear, should be 
abstracted as soon as possible ; and the bleeding repeated to the 
extent of four or five quarts more, if the pain is not relieved and 
the pulse has not become rounder and fuller. The speedy weak 
ness that accompanies this disease should not deter from bleeding 
largely. That weakness is the consequence of violent inflamma- 
tion of these parts ; and if that inflammation is subdued by the 
loss of blood, the weakness will disappear. The bleeding should 
be effected on the first appearance of the disease, for there is no 
malady that more quickly runs its course. 

A strong solution of aloes should immediately follow the bleed- 
ing, but, considering the irritable state of the intestines at this 
period, guarded by opium. This should be quickly followed by 
back-raking, and injections consisting of warm water, or very 
thin gruel, in which Epsom salts or aloes have been dissolved ; 
and too much fluid can scarcely be thrown up. If the common 
ox-bladder and pipe is used, it should be frequently replenished ; 
but with Read's patent pump, already referred to, sufficient may 
be injected to penetrate beyond the rectum, and reach to the 
colon and caecum, and dispose them to evacuate their contents. 
The horse should likewise be encouraged to drink plentifully of 
warm water or thin gruel ; and draughts, each containing a 
couple of drachms of dissolved aloes, with a little opium, should 
be given every six hours, until the bowels are freely opened. 



222 ENTERITIS 

It will now be prudent to endeavor to excite considerable 
external inflammation as near as possible to the seat of the inter 
nal disease, and therefore the whole of the belly should be blis- 
tered. In a well-marked case of this disease, no time should be 
lost in applying fomentations, but the blister at once resorted 
to. The tincture of Spanish flies, whether made with spirit of 
wine or turpentine, should be thoroughly rubbed in. The legs 
should be well bandaged in order to restore the circulation in 
them, and thus lessen the flow of blood to the inflamed part ; 
and, for the same reason, the horse should be warmly clothed ; 
but the air of the stable or box should be cool. 

No corn or hay should be allowed during the disease, but bran 
mashes, and green feed if it can be procured. The latter will be 
the best of all food, and may be given without the slightest ap- 
prehension of danger. When the horse begins to recover, a 
handful of grain may be given two or three times in the day ; 
and, if the weather is warm, he may be turned into a paddock 
for a few hours in the middle of the day. Clysters of gruel 
should be continued for three or four days after the inflammation 
is beginning to subside, and good hand-rubbing applied to the 
legs. 

The second variety of inflammation of the bowels affects the 
internal or mucous coat, and is generally the .consequence of 
physic in too great quantity, or of an improper kind. The purg- 
ing is more violent and continues longer than was intended ; the 
animal shows that he is suffering great pain ; he frequently looks 
round at his flanks ; his breathing is laborious, and the pulse is 
quick and small — not so small, however, as in inflammation of 
the peritoneal coat, and, contrary to some of the most frequent 
and characteristic symptoms of that disease, the mouth is hot and 
the legs and ears are warm. Unless the purging is excessive, 
and the pain and distress great, the surgeon should hesitate at 
giving any astringent medicine at first ; but he should plentifully 
administer gruel or thin starch, or arrow-root, by the mouth and 
by clyster, removing all hay and corn, and particularly green 
i'eed. He should thus endeavor to soothe the irritated surface of 
the bowels, while he permits all remains of the purgative to be 
carried off. If. however, twelve hours have passed, and the 
purging and the pain remain undiminished, he should continue 
the gruel, adding to it chalk, catechu, and opium, repeated every 
six hours. As soon as the purging begins to subside, the astrin- 
gent medicine should be lessened in quantity, and gradually dis- 
continued. Bleeding will rarely be necessary, unless the inflam- 
mation is very great, and attended by symptoms of general fever. 
The horse should be warmly clothed, and placed in a comforta- 
ble stable, and his legs should be hand-rubbed and bandaged 



ENTERITIS. £23 

Violent purging, and attended with much inflammation and 
fever, will occur from other causes. Green feed will frequently 
purge. A horse worked hard upon green feed will sometimes 
scour. The remedy is change of diet, or less labor. Young 
horses will often be strongly purged, without any apparent cause. 
Astringents should be used with much caution here. It is pro 
bably an effort of nature to get rid of something that offends. 
A few doses of gruel will assist in effecting this purpose, and the 
purging will cease without astringent medicine. 

Many horses that are not ivell-ribbed home — having too great 
space between the last rib and the hip-bone — are subject to 
purging if more than usual exertion is required trom them. They 
are recognized by the term of icashy horses. They are often free 
and fleet, but destitute of continuance. They should have rather 
more than the usual allowance of grain, with beans, when u-t 
work. A cordial ball, with catechu and opium, will often be 
serviceable either before or after a journey. # 

* ±\ote by Mr. Spooner. — When this disease occurs, as it is usually in the 
most violent form, and is more frequently fatal than otherwise, Weeding is call 
ed for most assuredly ; but we should endeavor previously to bring warmth 
to the skin and extremities, and also to raise the pulse. Two ounces of 
spirit of nitrous ether, in which a drachm of opium has been infused, may 
be administered in a pint and a half of linseed-oil. This will enable us to 
take a much larger quantity of blood than we should otherwise be enabled 
to abstract. It is of great importance to bleed largely in the first instance, 
but of very doubtful benefit to repeat the blood-letting. Warm fomenta- 
tions to the abdomen are of much importance, and should be continued 
almost without remission, whilst the pain continues ; thus applied, the heat 
of hot water will be more efficacious than any external stimulants. The 
oil may be repeated in doses of one pint until the bowels are opened, and 
the last dose should contain a scruple of powdered opium. Copious draughts 
of linseed gruel should also be given, and injections of the same frequently 
thrown up. 

Inflammation of the peritoneum seldom occurs as an independent disease. 
When it does, it usually follows castration, or some injury external to the 
bowels. The treatment should resemble that previously described. It 
sometimes exists in unison with pleurisy, and also with the inflammation of 
the bowels (enteritis) just described. 

Inflammation of the mucous coat of the intestines is also a very danger- 
ous disease. It may be produced by cold, or by over-exertion, particularly 
in hot weather, or, more frequently than either, by" an overdose of physic, <>>• 
an ordinary or weak dose while the membrane is either in a state of irrita- 
tion, or liable to become so from sympathy with some other important part, 
such as the lungs, more particularly their lining or mucous membrane. 

Bleeding in this disease is seldom of service, the weak and almost imper- 
ceptible state of the pulse forbidding it. Our endeavors must be devoted 
to bringing warmth to the skin and extremities, and gradually stopping the 
irritation of the bowels and sheathing its internal mucous membrane. We 
rnav venture on powdered chalk with small doses of opiun. administered in 
thick wheat flour gruel. 



224 PHYSICKING 



PHYSICKING. 



Physicking the horse is often necessary — but it has injured the 
constitution and destroyed thousands of animals when unneces- 
sarily or improperly resorted to. When the horse comes from 
trass to dry feed, or from the open air to the heated stable, a 
dose or two of physic may be necessary to prevent the tendency 
to inflammation. To a horse that is becoming too fat, or has 
surfeit, or grease, or mange, or is out of condition from inactivity 
of the digestive organs, a dose of physic is serviceable ; but the 
periodical physicking of all horses in the spring and autumn, the 
severe course of physic thought necessary to train them for work, 
and the too frequent method of treating the animal when under 
the operation of physic, cannot be too strongly condemned. 

A horse should be carefully prepared for the action of physic. 
Two or three bran mashes given on that or the preceding day 
are far from sufficient when a horse is about to be physicked. 
Mashes should be given until the dung becomes softened. Five 
drachms of aloes, given when the dung has thus been softened, 
will act much more effectually and much more safely than seven 
drachms, when the lower intestines are obstructed by hardened 
dung. 

On the day on which the physic is given, the horse should have 
walking exercise, or may be gently trotted for a quarter of an 
hour twice in the day ; but after the physic begins to work, he 
should not be moved from his stall. Exercise would then pro- 
duce gripes, irritation, and, possibly, dangerous inflammation. 
The common and absurd practice is to give the horse most exer- 
cise after the physic has begun to operate. 

A little hay may be put into the rack. As much mash should 
be given as the horse will eat, and as much water, with the 
coldness of it taken off, as he will drink. If, however, he obsti- 
nately refuses to drink warm water, it is better that he should 
have it cold, than to continue without taking any fluid ; but in 
such case he should not be suffered to take more than a quart at 
a time, with an interval of at least an hour between each 
draught. 

When the purging has ceased, or the physic is set, a mash 
should be given once or twice every day until the next dose is 
taken, between which and the setting of the first there should be 
an interval of a week. The horse should recover from the 
languor and debility occasioned by the first dose, before he is 
Harassed by a second. 

Eight or ten tolerably copious motions will be perfectly suffi- 
ce ».»t to answer every good purpose, although the groom or the 



PHYSICKING. 225 

carter may not be satisfied unless double the quantity are pro- 
cured. The consequence of too strong purgation will be, that 
weakness will hang about the animal for several days or weeks, 
and inflammation will often ensue from the over-irritation of the 
intestinal canal. 

Long-continued custom has made aloes the almost invariable 
purgative of the horse, and very properly so ; for there is no 
other at once so sure and so safe. The Barbadoes aloes, although 
sometimes very dear, should alone be used. The dose, with a 
horse properly prepared, will vary from four to seven drachms. 
The preposterous doses of nine, ten, or even twelve drachms, are 
now, happily for the horse, generally abandoned. Custom has 
assigned the form of a ball to physic, but good sense will in due 
time introduce the solution of aloes, as acting more speedily, ef- 
fectually and safely. 

The only other purgative on which dependence can be placed 
is the croton. The farina or meal of the nut is generally used ; 
but from its acrimony it should be given in the form of ball, with 
linseed meal. The dose varies from a scruple to half a drachm. 
It acts more speedily than the aloes, and without the nausea 
which they produce ; but it causes more watery stools, and, con- 
sequently, more debility. 

Linseed-oil is an uncertain but safe purgative, in doses from 
a pound to a pound and a half. Olive-oil is more uncertain, but 
safe ; but castor-oil, that mild aperient in the human being, is 
both uncertain and unsafe. Epsom-salts are inefficacious, except 
in the immense dose of a pound and a half, and then they are not 
always safe.* 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — We have little to add under this head. We con- 
demn, with the author, the reckless administration of violent doses, by which 
very many horses have been killed. The mucous coat of the intestines of 
the horse appears to be more irritable than that of man ; besides which it 
relatively occupies a larger extent of surface. 

Barbadoes aloes is certainly the best purgative with which we are ac- 
quainted. A drachm of ginger may be advantageously combined with it to 
prevent griping. A ball is certainly the best and safest mode of giving 
ordinary physic to a horse. It is necessary to give a much stronger dose in 
the form of a draught than that of a ball, which is probably owing to the 
fact, that with a ball a considerable amount of action is produced at one 
spot where the ball is dissolved, and the irritation there produced spreads 
by sympathy to the adjacent parts, whilst the liquid being spread at once 
over a large surface, a less amount of irritation is produced at any one par- 
ticular spot. The exercise on the day following the administration of the 
physic should depend on the effect produced. If the purging is copious, no 
exercise should be given ; but, if otherwise, it will much assist our opera- 
tions by giving a greater or lesser amount of exercise, as may be requii ed. 

J 

15 



226 CALCULI 1NTROSUSCEPTION ENTANGLEMENT OF BOWELS. 

CALCULI, OR STONES, IN THE INTESTINES. 

These are a cause of inflammation in the bowels of the horse 
and more frequently of colic. They are generally found in the 
caecum or colon, varying considerably in shape, and varying in 
weight from a few grains to several pounds. From the horizontal 
position of the horse's body, the stone does not tend downward as 
in the human being, and continues increasing until it becomes the 
source of fatal irritation. It is a fruitful cause of colic. Little 
advance has been made or can be made to procure their expulsion, 
or even to determine their existence. 5 * 

INTROSUSCEPTION OF THE INTESTINES. 

A portion of an intestine is sometimes slid into the contiguous 
portion, producing a fold or doubling. The irritation produced 
by it soon forms an obstruction which no power can overcome. 
There are no symptoms to indicate the presence of this, except 
continued and increasing pain ; or, if there were, all our means 
of relief would here fail. 

ENTANGLEMENT OF THE BOWELS. 

This is produced by colic, by the abominable and poisonous 
drinks of the farrier, and by other causes. 

When the animal rolls and throws himself about, portions of 
the intestine become so entangled as to be twisted into nooses and 
knots, drawn together with a degree of tightness scarcely credible 
Fie 31 Nothing but the extreme and continued tor- 

ture of the animal can lead us to suspect that 
this has taken place, and, could we ascer- 
tain its existence, there would "be no cure. 

The following cut shows an entanglement 
of the bowels of a horse that died from the 
effects of it. The parts are a little loosened 
in order better to show the entanglement of 
v'W^— --^0^\.-'/ the intestines, but in the animal they were 
drawn into a tight knot, and completely in- 
tercepted all passage. 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — When colic arises from stones or concretions in 
the intestines, the pain is usually very severe, until, by rolling about, the 
stone is dislodged from the position in which it was fixed, and then, becoming 
free, the pain ceases. We may presume such to be the nature of the case 
if the horse lies much on his back, and rolls over from side to side, with an 
evident desire to relieve himself from some painful pressure. After repeated 
attacks of this kind the case at length becomes fatal, the calculus accumu- 
lates, becomes firmly tixed, obstructing ail passage, inflammation supervenes, 
aud thr animal dies. 




WORMS RUPTURE. 227 



WORMS. 

Worms of different kinds inhabit the intestines ; but, except 
when they exist in very great numbers, they are not so hurtful as 
is generally supposed, although the groom or carter may trace to 
them, hidebound, and cough, and loss of appetite, and gripes, and 
megrims, and a variety of other ailments. 

The long white worm much resembles the common earth-worm. 
It is from six to ten inches long, and inhabits the small intestines. 
If there are too many of them, they may consume more than can 
be spared of the nutritive part of the food, or the mucus of the 
bowels. A tight skin, and rough coat, and tucked-up belly, are 
sometimes connected with their presence. They are then, how- 
ever, voided in large quantities. A dose of physic will sometimes 
bring away almost incredible quantities of them. Calomel is 
frequently given as a vermifuge. The seldomer this drug is ad- 
ministered to the horse the better. When the horse can be spared, 
a strong dose of physic is an excellent vermifuge, so far as the 
long round worm is concerned ; but a better medicine, and not 
interfering with either the feeding or work of the horse, is emetic 
tartar, with ginger, made into a ball with linseed meal and trea- 
cle, and given every morning, half an hour before the horse is fed. 

A smaller, darker-colored worm, called the needle- worm, in- 
habits the large intestines. Hundreds of them sometimes descend 
into the straight gut, and immense quantities have been found in 
the blind gut. These are a more serious nuisance than the foi- 
mer, for they cause a very troublesome irritation about the fun- 
dament, which sometimes sadly annoys the horse. Their existence 
can generally be discovered by a small portion of mucus, which, 
hardening, is found adhering to the anus. Physic will sometimes 
bring away great numbers of these worms ; but when there is 
much irritation about the tail, and much of this mucus, indicating 
that they have descended into the straight gut, an injection of 
linseed oil, or of aloes dissolved in warm water, will be a more 
effectual remedy. 

The tape-worm is seldom found in the horse. 

HERNIA, OR RUPTURE. 

A portion of the intestine protrudes out of the cavity of tin 
belly, either through some natural or artificial opening. In some 
cases it may be returned, but, from the impossibility of applying 
a truss or bandage, it soon escapes again. At other times, the 
opening is so narrow, that the gut, gradually distended by dung, 
or thickened by inflammation, cannot be returned, and sfrangu- 



226 T.rVER DISEASES. 

lated hernia is then said to exist. The seat of hernia is either in 
the testicle bag of the perfect horse, or the groin of the gelding. 
The causes are violent struggling when under operations, over- 
exertion, kicks, or accidents. The assistance of a veterinary sur- 
geon is here indispensable.* 



DISEASES OF THE LIVER. 

Horses dying when not more than five years old of other com- 
plaints, usually show a healthy liver, but when they reach eight 
or nine, the liver is frequently increased in size — is less elastic — 
has assumed a more granulated or broken down appearance — the 
blood does not so readily pass through its vessels — and at length, 
blood begins to ooze from it into its membraneous covering, or 
into the cavity of the belly. The horse feeds well, is in apparent 
health, in good condition, and capable of constant work ; but, at 
length, the peritoneal covering of the liver suddenly gives way, 
and the contents of the abdomen are deluged with blood. 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — In congenital hernia (that appearing at birth), 
in the testicle bag, the remedy consists in castration by the covered opera- 
tion, that is, without cutting into the hernial sac, but placing wooden claws 
vjii the cord and the peritoneal membrane, and at the same time, forcing the 
gut gently upwards towards the abdomen. In the course of a few days the 
cesticles will slough off, or may be removed. The writer purchased a colt 
9 few years since for a trifle, being abandoned by its owner as worthless, on 
which the operation was successfully performed, and the colt sold afterwards 
at a good price. 

When the hernia is strangulated, violent pain and great danger is the re- 
sult ; the opening through which the gut has escaped is generally very small, 
being in fact, the inguinal ring. In such cases, if the hernia cannot be re- 
duced by the hand, or the taxis, as it is called, it is necessary to open the 
hernial sac, and by means of a bistoury, enlarge the opening sufficiently to 
put back the gut — an operation of great difficulty and danger, and requiring 
much skill. 

Abdominal hernia may occur in different situations, and are usually caused 
by external violence, such as the horn of a cow, or jumping over and across 
a post. The muscular and other covering of the abdomen is broken through, 
whilst the skin, from its greater looseness, remains entire; and, indeed, is 
the only object between the bowels and the air. If the case is recent, the 
hernia may be reduced, and the hernial sac opened, and the sides of the 
opening brought together by sutures of metallic wire. Where, however, 
the injury is of long standing or natural, as, for instance, in mares, when the 
abdominal ring is unusually large, we cannot succeed by this means ; but 
yet the case is not always hopeless. The gut being forced back, an incision 
is made in the skin, and one or more wooden skewers passed through it, so 
that a good portion of the skin can be embraced by some strong waxed 
twine, the skewers preventing it slipping off the skin thus embraced, which 
doughs off, and a cicatrix forming the surrounding skin becomes tighter and 
thicker than before— sufficiently so to keep the gut, for the most part, within 
the abdomen. 



JAUNDICE. 229 

The symptoms of this sudden change are — pawing, shifting the 
posture, distention of the belly, curling of the upper lip, sighing 
frequently and deeply, the mouth and nostrils pale and blanched, 
the breathing quickened, restlessness, debility, fainting, and death. 

On opening the abdomen, the intestines are found to be deluded 
with dark venous blood. The liver is either of a fawn, or light 
yellow, or brown color — easily torn by the finger, and, in some 
cases, completely broken down. 

If the hemorrhage has been slight at the commencement, and 
fortunately arrested, yet a singular consequence will frequently 
result. The sight will gradually fail ; the pupil of one or both 
eyes will gradually dilate, the animal will have gutta serena, and 
become perfectly blind. This will almost assuredly take place on 
a return of the affection of the liver. Little can be done in a 
medical point of view. Astringent and styptic medicines may, 
however, be tried. Turpentine, alum, or sulphuric acid, will af- 
ford the only chance.* 

JAUNDICE, 

Commonly called the The Yellows, is a more frequent, but 
more tractable disease. It is the introduction of bile into the gene- 
ral circulation. This is usually caused by some obstruction in 
the ducts or tubes that convey the bile from the liver to the intes- 
tines. The yellowness of the eyes and mouth, and of the skin, 
where it is not covered with hair, mark it sufficiently plainly. 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — The symptoms which we have noticed as attend- 
ing this disease are, a heavy dull appearance, loss of appetite, and respira- 
tion somewhat quickened, but not distressed as in inflammation of the lungs ; 
the pulse is distinct and somewhat quickened, perhaps from fifty to sixty in 
the minute. The membranes of the eyelids are yellow, or at any rate pale. 
It is a very obstinate disease, often becoming fatal, even when the symptoms 
at first do not appear to denote danger. In such instances they gradually 
increase in severity, and symptoms of severe pain become connected with 
those of distress previously existing, and, in the course of six to ten days, 
the case becomes fatal. 

Bleeding is required in the first instance, but not to the same extent as in 
inflammation of the lungs. Recourse should then be had to mercurial alter- 
atives. Calomel two scruples, with opium one scruple, should be given 
twice a day for several days, until the system appears to be affected by the 
mercury. The relaxation of the bowels should be promoted by a pint of 
linseed oil, repeated twice or thrice. The hair should be cut off the side 
opposite the liver, and mercurial or blistering ointment rubbed in. If the 
horse refuses to eat mashes, plenty of Unseed or oatmeal gruel should be 
given with the horn. 

The hepatirrhoea, or rupture and bleeding from the liver, mentioned in 
the text, is uniformly fatal, if not at the first, at the second or third attack. 
It is sometimes attended with amaurosis, or paralysis of the 3ptic nerve. 
Treatment is comparatively useless. 



230 THE KIDNEYS. 

The dung is small and hard; the urine highly colored; the 
horse languid, and the appetite impaired. If he is not soon 
relieved, he sometimes begins to express considerable uneasiness ; 
at other times he is dull, heavy, and stupid. A characteristic 
symptom is lameness of the right fore leg, resembling the pain 
in the right shoulder of the human being in liver affections. 
The principal causes are over-feeding or over-exertion in sultry 
weather, or too little work, generally speaking, or inflammation 
or other disease of the liver itself. 

It is sometimes caused by the sympathy of the liver with some 
other diseased part, and in this case, the removal of that disease 
will remove it. If there is no other apparent disease to any 
great extent, an endeavor to restore the natural passage of the 
bile by purgatives may be tried, not consisting of large doses, 
lest there should be some undetected inflammation of the lungs 
or bowels, in either of which a strong purgative would be dan- 
gerous ; but, given in small quantities, repeated at short inter- 
vals, and until the bowels are freely opened. Bleeding should 
always be resorted to, regulated according to the apparent degree 
of inflammation, and the occasional stupor of the animal. 
Plenty of water, slightly warmed, or thin gruel, should be given. 
The horse should be warmly clothed, and the stable well ven- 
tilated, but not cold. Carrots or green food will be very bene 
ficial. Should the purging, when once excited, prove violent, 
we need not be in any haste to stop it, unless inflammation is be- 
ginning to be connected with it, or the horse is very weak. The 
medicine recommended under diarrhoea may then be given. 
A few slight tonics should be given when the horse is recovering 
from an attack of jaundice.^ 

THE KIDNEYS. 

The kidneys are two large glandular bodies, placed under the 
loins, of the shape of a kidney-bean, of immense size. The right 
kidney is most forward, lying under the liver ; the left is pushed 
more backward by the stomach and spleen. A large artery runs 
to each, carrying not less than a sixth part of the whole of the 
blood that circulates through the frame. This artery is divided 
into innumerable little branches, most curiously complicated and 
:oiled upon each other ; and the blood, traversing these convolu- 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Jaundice very seldom occurs unconnected with 
inflammation of the liver ; when it does, it is denoted by the yellowness of 
the membranes, and the absence of any of the symptoms of inflammation 
It is best treated by the same internal medicines as those we advised 
under the head of " Inflammation of the liver" (in note); or aloes may 
also be #iv»n in moderate quantities. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 231 

tions, has its watery parts, and others, the retaining of which 
would be injurious, separated from it. 

The fluid thus separated (the urine), varies materially in quan- 
tity and composition during health. There is no organ in the horse 
so "much under our command ; and there are no medicines so use- 
ful, or may be so injurious, as diuretics (those which increase the 
evacuation of urine), such as nitre and digitalis. They stimulate 
the kidneys to separate more watery fluid from the blood, and 
thus reduce the circulation, lowering inflammation and calming 
excitement. They cause the removal of that fluid in the cellu- 
lar substance of the legs of the horse, which causes them so often 
to swell. The legs of many horses cannot be rendered fine, or 
kept so, without the use of diuretics ; nor can grease — often con- 
nected with these swellings, producing them or caused by them 
— be otherwise subdued. It is on this account that diuretics are 
ranked among the most useful of veterinary medicines. 

In injudicious hands, however, these medicines are sadly 
abused. Among the absurdities of stable management, there is 
nothing so injurious as the frequent use of diuretics. Not only 
are the kidneys often over-excited, weakened, and disposed to 
disease, but the whole frame becomes debilitated. There is like- 
wise one important fact of which the groom or the horseman sel- 
dom thinks, viz : — That when he is removing these humors by 
the imprudent use of diuretics, he is only attacking a symptom 
or a consequence of disease, and not the disease itself. The legs 
will fill again, and the grease will return. While the cause 
remains, the effect will be produced. 

In the administration of diuretics, one thing should be attended 
co, and the good effect of which the testimony of every intelli- 
gent man will confirm : the horse should have 'plenty to drink. 
N*ot only will inflammation be prevented, but the operation of 
ihe medicine will be much promoted. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 

This is no uncommon disease in the horse, and is more un- 
skilfully and fatally treated than almost any other. The early 
symptoms are those of fever generally, but the seat of the dis- 
ease soon becomes evident. The horse looks anxiously round at 
his flanks ; stands with his hinder legs wide apart ; is unwilling 
to lie down ; straddles as he walks ; expresses pain in turning ; 
shrinks when the loins are pressed, and some degree of heat is 
felt there. The urine is voided in small quantities : frequently 
u is high-colored, and sometimes bloody. The attempt to urin- 
ate becomes more frequent, and the quantity voided smaller, 
until the animal strains painfully and violently, but the discharge 



232 INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 

is nearly or quite suppressed. The pulse is quick and hard ; full 
in the early stage oi* the disease, but rapidly becoming small, yet 
not losing its character of hardness. These symptoms clearly 
indicate an affection of the urinary organs ; but they do not dis- 
tinguish inflammation of the kidney from that of the bladder 
[n order to effect this, the hand must be introduced into the rec- 
'uffl. If the bladder is felt full and hard under the rectum, there 
i inflammation of the neck of it ; if it is empty, yet on the por- 
tion of the intestines immediately over it there is more than 
natural heat and tenderness, there is inflammation of the body 
of the bladder ; and if the bladder is empty, and there is no in- 
creased heat or tenderness, there is inflammation of the kidney. 

Too powerful or too often repeated diuretics induce inflamma- 
tion of the kidney, or a degree of irritation and weakness of that 
organ that disposes to inflammation from causes that would 
otherwise have no injurious effect. If a horse is sprained in the 
loins by being urged on, far or fast, by a heavy rider, or com- 
pelled to take too wide a leap, or by being suddenly pulled up 
on his haunches, the inflammation of the muscles of the loins is 
often speedily transferred to the kidneys, with which they lie in 
contact. Exposure to cold is another frequent origin of this 
malady, especially if the horse is drenched with rain, or the wet 
drips upon his loins ; and, more particularly, if he was previously 
disposed to inflammation, or these organs had been previously 
weakened. 

The treatment will only vary from that of inflammation of 
other parts by a consideration of the peculiarity of the organ 
affected. Bleeding must be promptly resorted to, and carried to 
its full extent. An active purge should next be administered ; 
and a counter-inflammation excited as nearly as possible to the 
seat of disease. For this purpose the loins should be fomented 
with hot water, or covered with a mustard-poultice — the horse 
should be warmly clothed ; but no cantharides or turpentine 
should be used, and, most of all, no diuretic be given internally. 
When the groom finds this difficulty or suppression of staling, he 
immediately has recourse to a diuretic ball to force on the urine ; 
and by thus needlessly irritating a part already too much excited, 
he adds fuel to fire, and frequently destroys the horse. The ac- 
tion of the purgative having begun a little to cease, white helle- 
bore may be administered in small doses, with or without emetic 
tartar. The patient should be warmly clothed ; his legs well 
bandanged ; and plenty of water offered to him. The food 
should be carefully examined, and anything that could have 
excited or that may prolong the irritation carefully removed.* 

* Not* by Mr. Spooner — This disease is readily distinguished from 



DIABETES HEMATURIA 233 



DIABETES, OR PROFUSE STALING 

Is a comparatively rare disease. It is generally the conse- 
quence of undue irritation of the kidney by bad food or strong 
diuretics, and sometimes follows inflammation of that organ . It 
can seldom be traced in the horse to any disease; of the digestive 
organs. The treatment is obscure, and the result often uncer- 
tain. It is evidently increased action of the kidneys, and there- 
fore the most rational plan of treatment is to endeavor to abate 
that action. In order to effect this, the same course should be 
pursued in the early stage of diabetes as in actual inflammation ; 
but the lowering system must not be carried to so great an ex- 
tent. To bleeding, purging, and counter-irritation, medicines of 
an astringent quality should succeed, as catechu, the powdered 
leaf of the whortleberry (uva ursi,) and opium. Very careful 
attention should be paid to the food. The hay and oats should 
be of the best quality. Green feed, and especially carrots will 
be vary serviceable.* 

BLOODY URINE— HEMATURIA. 

The discharge of urine of this character is of occasional occur- 
rence. Pure blood is sometimes discharged which immediately 
coagulates — at other times it is more or less mixed with the 
urine, and does not coagulate. The cause of its appearance and 
the source whence it proceeds cannot always be determined, but 
it is probably the result of some strain or blow. It may or may 
not be accompanied by inflammation. 

Should it be the result of strain or violence, or be evidently 
attended by inflammation, soothing and depleting measures 
should be adopted. Perhaps counter-irritation on the loins might 

others, from the great tenderness of the loins when pressed, and the high 
color of the urine, which is sometimes almost black. 

The bleeding, as stated in the text, should be very copious, and repeated 
if necessary. One of the best applications to the loins is a fresh sheep-skin, 
the skin side inwards. This will very soon cause, and keep up, a consider- 
able perspiration, which may be continued by means of a fresh skin in the 
course of twelve hours. With regard to internal medicines, one of the best 
sedatives is the white hellebore, in doses of a scruple twice a day. The 
bowels should be opened by means of an aperient draught, and abundance 
of linseed tea should be given, so as to sheath the irritated parts. 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Diabetes is almost invariably produced by un- 
wholesome food, such as mow-burnt hay, or kiln-dried oats. It causes 
excessive debility and loss of flesh. We do not approve of blood-letting, as 
recommended in the text ; but astringents, such as opium and catechu, com- 
bined with sulphate of iron, in doses of a drachm twice a-day, are of much 
per vice. The cause of the disease, should of course be removed. 



234 ALBUMIN JUS URINE INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. 

be useful. If there is no apparent inflammation, some gentle 
stimulus may be administered internally. 

ALBUMINOUS URINE. 

A peculiar mucous state of the urine of some horses has lately 
attracted attention. It has been associated with stretching out 
of the legs, stiffness, disinclination to move, a degree of fever, and 
costiveness. Slight bleeding, mild physic, the application of 
gentle stimulants to the loins, quietness, and gentle opiates, have 
been of service. 

THE BLADDER. 

The urine separated from the blood is discharged by the min- 
ute vessels, of which we have spoken, into some larger canals, 
which terminate in a cavity or reservoir in the body of each kid- 
ney, designated its pelvis. Thence it is conveyed by a duct 
called the ureter, to a large reservoir, the bladder. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. 

There are two varieties of this disease, inflammation of the 
_body of the bladder, and of its neck. The symptoms are nearly 
the same with those of inflammation of the kidney, except that 
there is rarely a total suppression of urine, and there is heat felt 
in the rectum over the situation of the bladder. The causes are 
the presence of some acrid or irritant matter in the urine, or of 
calculus or stone in the bladder. With reference to inflammation 
of the body of the bladder, mischief has occasionally been done 
by the introduction of cantharides or some other irritating mat- 
ter, in order to hasten the period of horsing in the mare. The 
treatment in this case will be the same as in inflammation of 
the kidneys, except that it is of more consequence that the ani- 
mal should drink freely of water or thin gruel. 

In inflammation of the neck of the bladder there is the same 
frequent voiding of urine in small quantities, generally appear- 
ing in an advanced stage of the disease, and often ending in 
almost total suppression. There is also this circumstance 
which can never be mistaken by him who will pay sufficient 
attention to the case, that the bladder is distended with urine, 
and can be distinctly felt under the rectum. It is spasm of the 
part, closing the neck of the bladder so powerfully that the con 
traction of the bladder and the pressure of the muscles are un- 
able to force out the urine. 

Here the object to be attempted is sufficiently plain. This 
epasm must be relaxed, and the most likely means to effect it \u 



STONE IN THE* BLADDER. 236 

to bleed largely, and even to fainting. This will sometimes 
succeed, and there will be at once an end to the disease. To 
the exhaustion and loss of muscular power occasioned by copious 
bleeding, should be added the nausea consequent on physic. 
Should not this speedily have effect, another mode of abating 
spasm must be tried — powdered opium, made into a ball or 
drink, should be given every two or three hours; while an active 
blister is applied externally. The evacuation of the bladder, 
both in the mare and the horse, should be effected through the 
medium of a veterinary surgeon.* 

STONE IN THE BLADDER. 

The symptoms of stone in the bladder much resemble those 
of spasmodic colic, except that, on careful inquiry, it will be 
found that there has been much irregularity in the discharge of 
urine and occasional suppression of it. When fits of apparent 
colic frequently return, and are accompanied by any peculiarity 
in tha appearance or the discharge of the urine, the horse should 
be carefully examined. For this purpose he must be thrown. 
If there is stone in the bladder, it will, while the horse lies on 
its back, press on the rectum, and may be distinctly felt if the 
hand is introduced into the rectum. Several cases have lately 
occurred of successful extraction of the calculus ; but to effect 
this it will always be necessary to have recourse to the aid of a 
veterinary practitioner. t 

The catheter invented by Mr. Taylor is made of polished 
round iron, three feet long, one and a half inch in circumfer- 
ence, and with eight joints at its farther extremity. The solid 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — This is a very rare but exceedingly dangerous 
disease, the irritation being so great that it is almost impossible to keep any 
soothing application in the bladder, the contents of which are being con- 
tinually ejected. Recourse therefore must be had to very copious bleeding, 
so as to endeavor to check both the inflammation which exists, as well as 
to assuage the irritation which forbids topical (local) measures. It will 
assist to administer calomel combined with opium and tartarized antimony, 
two scruples of each being given three times a day. The same means may 
be adopted when inflammation attacks the neck of the bladder, and the 
spasm prevents its evacuation. As stated in the text the bladder of a 
mare may be readily evacuated by means of a catheter ; and, by the aid 
of the elastic and flexible catheter, the bladder of the gelding can also be 
discharged, though the operation requires some tact and skill. 

\ Note by Mr. Spooner. — In cutting for the stone, the horse is cast and 
turned on his back, and supported in that position. A whalebone or wooden 
staff is then passed up the urethra, and when it is felt at the perineum 
just under the anus, is cut down upon. A pair of forceps is next passed 
through the wound thus made, into the bladder, with which the calculus 

must be removed. The bladder then should be washed out with tepid 

* iter, aud the wound sewed up. 



236 STONE IN THE BLADDER 

part between each joint is one and a quarter inch in length, and 
one and a half in circumference, the moveable part being ten 
inches, and the solid part two feet two inches. The joints are 
on the principle of a half joint, so that the moveable part 
would only act in a straight line, or curve in one direction. 
The joints are perfectly rounded and smooth when acting either 
in a straight line or a curve. It is represented both m its 
straight and curved state in the following cuts. 




Many horses occasionally void a considerable quantity of 
gravel, sometimes without inconvenience, and at others with 
evident spasm or pain. A diuretic might be useful in such 
case, as increasing the flow of urine, and possibly washing out 
the concretions before they become too numerous or bulky. 

The urine having passed the neck of the bladder, flows along 
the urethra, and is discharged. The sheath of the penis is 
sometimes considerably enlarged. When at the close of acute 
disease, there are swellings and effusions of fluid, under the 
chest and belly, this part seldom escapes. Diuretics, with a 
small portion of cordial medicine, will be beneficial, but in ex- 
treme cases slight scarifications may be necessary. The inside 
of the sheath is often the seat of disease. The mucous matter, 
naturally secreted there to defend the part from the acrimony 
of the urine, accumulates and becomes exceedingly offensive, 
and produces swelling, tenderness, and even excoriation, with 
considerable discharge. Fomentation with warm water, and the 
cleansing of the part with soap and water, aided perhaps by the 
administration of a diuretic ball, will speedily remove every in- 
convenience. 



CHAPTER XL 

BREEDING, CASTRATION, ETC. 



Our observations on this will be of a general nature < md very 
ll Th* first axiom that we would lay down, is that like 

dinner,, or at ^-jgj? itS 'ifiSKS- ta 
Even the consequences of ill usage or nam wore windliess 

the oro^env There has been proof upon proof, that blindness, 

oLFngrthfck-wind, broken-wmd, spavins, curbs, ringbones and 
founded have been bequeathed to their f^^ffieS 
and the dam. It should likewise be recollected that aitnou 
these blembhcs may not appear m the immediate Progeny, they 
frequently do in the next, or even more distant g«" e f > on , £°^ 

he necessity of some knowledge of the parentage both of the snre 



""Fcculiartty of form and constitution will also be inherited. 

mals that the good points of each are almost lost . the delects 
7bothtcrease g d, J the produce is far inferior to both sire and 

^The mare is sometimes put to the horse at too early an age ; 
or whaUs of more freque i occurrence, the ^^^ 
fnr work bv old age. The owner is unwilling to destroy Her, ami 
he r rtarmfnestha g t she shall bear a foal, and thus I= a* ; h,m 
fnr her kee D What is the consequence ? The loal exnit>iis an 
unkindlineTs of growth,-a corresponding weakness,-and there is 
larceW an orlfn that possesses its natural and proper strength _ 
Tha[ Z constitution and endurance of the horse are mhentad, 



238 BREEDING. 

no sporting man ever doubted. The qualities of the sire or the 
dam descend from generation to generation, and the excellences 
or detects of certain horses are often traced, and justly so, to some 
peculiarity in a far-distant ancestor. 

It may, perhaps, be justly affirmed, that there is more difficulty 
in selecting a good mare to breed from than a good horse, because 
ghe should possess somewhat opposite qualities. Her carcase 
should be long, in order to give room for the growth of the foetus , 
and yet with this there should be compactness of form and short 
ness of leg. What can they expect whose practice it is to pur- 
chase worn-out, spavined, foundered mares, about whom they fancy 
there have been some good points, and send them far into the 
country to breed from, and, with all their variety of shape, to be 
covered by the same horse ? In a lottery like this there may be 
now and then a prize, but there must be many blanks. 

As to the shape of the stallion, little satisfactory can be said 
It must depend on that of the mare, and the kind of horse wished 
to be bred ; but if there is one point absolutely essential, it is 
" compactness" — as much goodness and strength as possible con- 
densed into a little space. 

Next to compactness, the inclination of the shoulder will be re 
garded. A huge stallion, with upright shoulders, never got a 
capital hunter or hackney. From him the breeder can obtain 
nothing but a cart or dray horse, and that, perhaps, spoiled by the 
opposite form of the mare. On the other hand, an upright 
shoulder is desirable, if not absolutely necessary, when a mere 
slow draught-horse is required. 

From the time of covering, to within a few days of the expected 
period of foaling, the cart-mare may be kept at moderate labor, 
not only without injury, but with decided advantage. It will 
then be prudent to release her from work, and keep her near 
home, and under the frequent inspection of some careful person. 

When nearly half the time of pregnancy has elapsed, the mare 
should have a little better food. She should be allowed one or 
two feeds of grain in the day. This is about the period when they 
are accustomed to slink their foals, or when abortion occurs : the 
eye of the owner should, therefore, be frequently upon them. 
Good feeding and moderate exercise will be the best preventives 
of this mishap. The mare that has once aborted, is liable to a 
repetition of the accident, and therefore should never be suffered 
to be with other mares between the fourth and fifth months : for 
such is the power of imagination or of sympathy in the mare, that 
if one suffers abortion, others in the same pasture will too often 
share the same fate. Farmers wash, and paint, and tar theii 
stables, to prevent some supposed infection ; — the infection lies in 
\he imagination. 



BREEDING. 239 

The thorough-bred mare — the stock being intended for. sport- 
ing purposes — should be kept quiet, and apart from otherhorses, 
after the first four or five months. When the period of parturi- 
tion is drawing near, she should be watched and shut up during 
the night in a safe yard or loose box. 

If the mare, whether of the pure or common breed, be thus 
taken care of, and be in good health while in foal, little danger 
will attend the act of parturition. If there is false presentation of 
the fetus, or difficulty in producing it, it will be better to have 
recourse to a well-informed practitioner, than to injure the 
mother by the violent and injurious attempts that are often made 
to relieve her. 

The parturition being over, the mare should be turned into 
some well-sheltered pasture, with a hovel or shed to run into when 
she pleases ; and if she has foaled early, and grass is scanty, she 
should have a couple of feeds of grain daily. The breeder may 
depend upon it, that nothing is gained by starving the mother 
and stinting the foal at this time. It is the most important pe- 
riod of the life of the horse ; and if, from false economy, his growth 
is arrested, his puny form and want of endurance will ever after- 
wards testify the error that has been committed. The grain 
should be given in a trough on the ground, that the foal may par- 
take of it with the mother. When the new grass is plentiful, the 
quantity of corn may gradually be diminished. 

The mare will usually be found again at heat at or before the 
expiration of a month from the time of foaling, when, if she is- 
principally kept for breeding purposes, she may be put again to 
the horse. At the same time, also, if she is used for agricultural pur- 
poses, she may go again to work. The foal is at first shut in the sta- 
ble during the hours of work ; but as soon as it acquires sufficient 
strength to toddle after the mare, and especially when she is at 
slow work, it will be better for the foal and the dam that they 
should be together. The work will contribute to the health ol 
the mother ; the foal will more frequently draw the milk, and 
thrive better, and will be hardy and tractable, and gradually fa- 
miliarized with the objects among which it is afterwards to live. 
While the mother, however, is thus worked, she and the foal 
should be well fed ; and two feeds of corn, at least, should be 
added to the green food which they get when turned out after 
their work, and at night. 

In five or six months, according to the growth of the foal, it 
may be weaned. It should then be housed for three weeks or a 
month, or turned into some distant rick-yard. . There can be no 
better place for the foal than the latter, as affording, and that 
without trouble, both food and shelter. The mother should be 
put to harder work and have drier food. One or two urine-balls, 



240 BREEDING BREAKING. 

or a physic-ball, will be useful, if the milk should be troublesome 
or she should pine after her foal. 

There is no principle of greater importance than the libera! 
feeding of the foal during the whole of his growth, and at this 
time in particular. Bruised oats and bran should form a consid- 
erable part of his daily provender. The farmer may be as- 
sured mat the money is well laid out which is expended on the 
li oerai nourishment of the growing colt ; yet while he is well fed. 
he should not be rendered delicate by excess of care. 

A racing colt is often stabled ; but one that is destined to be a 
hunter, a hackney, or an agricultural horse, should have a square 
rick, under the leeward side of which he may shelter him- 
self ; or a hovel, into which he may run at night, and out of the 
rain. 

The process of breaking-in should commence from the very 
period of weaning. The foal should be daily handled, par- 
tially dressed, accustomed to the halter when led about, and 
even tied up. The tractability, and good temper, and value 
of the horse, depend a great deal more upon this than breeders are 
aware. 

Everything should be done, as much as possible, by the man 
who feeds the colt, and whose management of him should be al- 
ways kind and gentle. There is no fault for which a breeder 
should so invariably discharge his servant as cruelty, or even 
harshness, towards the rising stock ; for the principle on which 
their after usefulness is founded, is early attachment to, and con- 
fidence in man, and obedience, implicit obedience, resulting prin- 
cipally from this. 

After the second winter the work of breaking-in may com- 
mence in good earnest. The colt may be bitted, and a bit 
selected that will not hurt his mouth, and much smaller than 
those in common use. With this he may be suffered to amuse 
himself, and to play, and to champ it for an hour, on a few suc- 
cessive days. 

Having become a little tractable, portions of the harness may 
be put upon him, concluding with the blind winkers ; and, a few 
days afterwards, he may go into the team. It would be better if 
there could be one horse before, and one behind him, besides the 
shaft horse. There should at first be the mere empty wagon 
Nothing should be done to him, except that he should have an 
occasional pat or kind word. The other horses will keep him 
moving, and in his place ; and no great time will pass, sometimes 
not even the first day, before he will begin to pull with the rest. 
The load may then be gradually increased. 

The agricultural horse is sometimes wanted to ride as well as 
to draw. Let bis first lesson be given when he is in the team 



SHE AXING. 24 1 

Let his feeder, if possible, bt first put upon him. He will be too 
much hampered by his harness, and by the other horses, to make 
much resistance ; and, in the majority of cases, will quietly and 
at once submit. We need not to repeat, that no whip or spur 
should be used in giving the first lessons in riding. 

When he begins a little to understand his business, backing — 
I he most difficult part of his work — may be taught him ; first to 
back well without anything behind him, and then with a light 
cart, and afterwards with some serious load — always taking the 
greatest care not seriously to hurt his mouth. If the first lesson 
causes much soreness of the gums, the colt will not readily submit 
to a second. If he has been previously rendered tractable by kind 
usage, time and patience will do everything that can be wished. 
Some carters are in the habit of blinding the colt when teaching 
him to back. This may be necessary with a restive and obstinate 
one, but should be used only as a last resort. 

The colt having been thus partially broken-in, the necessity of 
implicit obedience must be taught him, and that not by severity, 
but by firmness and steadiness. The voice will go a great way, 
but the whip or the spur is sometimes indispensable — not so se 
verely applied as to excite the animal to resistance, but to con- 
vince him that we have the power to enforce submission. Few, 
it may almost be said, no horses, are naturally vicious. It is 
cruel usage which has first provoked resistance. That resistance 
has been followed by greater severity, and the stubbornness of the 
animal has increased. Open warfare has ensued, in which the 
man has seldom gained advantage, and the horse has been fre- 
quently rendered unserviceable. Correction may, or must be 
used, to enforce implicit obedience after the education has pro- 
ceeded to a certain extent, but the early lessons should be incul- 
cated with kindness alone. Young colts are sometimes very per- 
verse. Many days will occasionally pass before they will permit 
the bridle to be put on, or the saddle to be worn ; and one act ot 
harshness will double or treble this time : patience and kindness, 
however, will always prevail. On some morning, when he is in 
a better humor than usual, the bridle may be put on, or the sad- 
dle may be worn ; and, this compliance being followed by kind- 
ness and soothing on the part of the breaker, and no inconve- 
nience or pain being suffered by the animal, all resistance will be 
at an end. 

The same principles will apply to the breaking-in of the horse 
for the road or the chase. The handling, and some portion of in- 
struction, should commence from the time of weaning. The fu- 
ture tractability of the horse will much depend on this. At two 
years and a half, or three years, the regular process of breaking-in 
should commence. If it is delayed until the an.mal is four years 

K 10 



242 BREAKING. 

old, his strength and obstinacy will be more difficult to overcome 
The plan usually pursued by the breaker cannot perhaps be much 
improved, except that there should be much more kindness and 
patience, and far less harshness and cruelty, than these persons 
are accustomed to exhibit, and a great deal more attention to the 
form and natural action of the horse. A headstall is put on the 
colt, and a cavesson (or apparatus to confine and pinch the nose) 
affixed to it, with long reins. He is first accustomed to the rein, 
then led round a ring on soft ground, and at length mounted and 
taught his paces. Next to preserving the temper and docility of 
the horse, there is nothing of so much importance as to teach him 
every pace, and every part of his duty, distinctly and thoroughly. 
Each must constitute a separate and sometimes long-continued 
lesson, and that taught by a man who will never suffer his pas- 
sion to get the better of his discretion. 

After the cavesson has been attached to the headstall, and the 
long reins put on, the colt should be quietly led about by the 
breaker — a steady boy following behind, by occasional threatening 
with the whip, but never by an actual blow, to keep him moving. 
When the animal follows readily and quietly, he may be taken 
to the ring, and walked round, right and left, in a very small cir- 
cle. Care should be taken to teach him this pace thoroughly, 
never suffering him to break into a trot. The boy with his whip 
may here again be necessary, but not a single blow should actu- 
ally fall. 

Becoming tolerably perfect in the walk, he should be quickened 
to a trot, and kept steadily at it ; the whip of the boy, if needful, 
urging him on, and the cavesson restraining him. These lessons 
should be short. The pace should be kept perfect, and distinct in 
each ; and docility and improvement rewarded with frequent ca- 
resses, and handfuls of corn. The length of the rein may now be 
gradually increased, and the pace quickened, and the time ex- 
tended, until the animal becomes tractable in these his first les- 
sons, towards the conclusion of which, crupper-straps, or some- 
thing similar, may be attached to the clothing. These, playing 
about the sides and flanks, accustom him to the flapping of the 
coat of the rider. The annoyance which they occasion will pass 
over in a day or two ; for when the animal finds that no harm 
comes to him, he will cease to regard them. 

Next comes the bitting. The bits should be large and smooth, 
and the reins buckled to a ring on either side of the pad. There 
are many curious and expensive machines for this purpose, but the 
simple rein will be quite sufficient. It should at first be slack, 
and then very gradually tightened. This will prepare for the 
more perfect manner in which the head will be afterwards got 
into its proper position, when the colt is accustomed to the saddle 



BREAKING. ^43 

Occasionally the breaker should stand in front of the colt, and take 
hold of each side rein near to the mouth, and press upon it, and 
thus begin to teach him to stop and to back on the pressure of 
the rein, rewarding every act of docility, and not being too eager 
to punish occasional carelessness or waywardness. 

The colt may now be taken into the road or street, to be grad- 
ually accustomed to the objects among which his services will be 
required. Here, from fear or playfulness, a considerable de- 
gree of starting and shying may be exhibited. As little notice 
as possible should be taken of it. The same or a similar object 
should be soon passed again, but at a greater distance. If the 
colt still shies, let the distance be still farther increased until he 
takes no notice of the object. Then he may be gradually brought 
nearer to it, and this will be usually effected without the slight- 
est difficulty : whereas, had there been an attempt to force him 
close to it in the first instance, the remembrance of the contest 
would have been associated with every appearance of the object, 
and the habit of shying would have been established. 

Hitherto, with a cool and patient breaker, the whip may have 
been shown, but will scarcely have been used ; the colt must 
now, however, be accustomed to this necessary instrument of au- 
thority. Let the breaker walk by the side of the animal, and 
throw his right arm over his back, holding the reins in his left, 
occasionally quickening his pace, and at the moment of doing 
this, tapping the horse with the whip in his right hand, and at 
first very gently. The tap of the whip and the quickening of the 
pace will soon become associated in the mind of the animal. Ii 
necessary, these reminders may gradually fall a little heavier, 
and the feeling of pain be the monitor of the necessity of 
increased exertion. The lessons of reining in and stopping, and 
backing on the pressure of the bit, may continue to be practised 
at the same time. 

He may now be taught to bear the saddle. Some little cau- 
tion will be necessary at the first putting of it on. The breaker 
should stand at the head of the colt, patting him and engaging 
his attention, while one assistant, on the off-side, gently places 
the saddle on the back of the animal ; and another, on the near- 
side, slowly tightens the girths. If he submits quietly to this, as 
he generally will when the previous process of breaking-in has 
been properly conducted, the ceremony of mounting may be 
attempted on the following, or on the third day. The breaker 
will need two assistants in order to accomplish this. He will 
remain at the head of the colt, patting and making much of 
him. The rider will put his foot into the stirrup, and bear a 
little weight upon it, while the man on the off-side presses 
equally on the other stirrup-leather ; and, according to the do- 



244 BREAKING CASTRATIOJX. 

cility of the animal, he will gradually increase the weight, until 
he balances himself on the stirrup. If the colt is uneasy or 
fearful, he should be spoken kindly to and patted, or a mouthful 
of grain be given to him ; but if he offers serious resistance, the 
lessons must terminate for that day. He may probably be in bet- 
ter humor on the morrow. 

When the rider has balanced himself for a minute or two, 
he may gently throw his leg over, and quietly seat himself in 
the saddle. The breaker will then lead the animal round the 
ring, the rider sitting perfectly still. After a few minutes he will 
take the reins, and handle them as gently as possible, and guide 
the horse by the pressure of them ; patting him frequently, and 
especially when he thinks of dismounting ; and, after having 
dismounted, offering him a little grain, or green feed. The use 
of the rein in checking him, and of the pressure of the leg and 
the touch of the heel in quickening his pace, will soon be taught, 
and his education will be nearly completed. 

The horse having thus far submitted himself to the breaker, 
these pattings and rewards must be gradually diminished, and 
implicit obedience mildly but firmly enforced. Severity will not 
often be necessary. In the great majority of cases it will be 
altogether uncalled for : but should the animal, in a moment of 
waywardness, dispute the command of the breaker, he must at 
once be taught that he is the slave of man, and that we have 
the power, by other means than those of kindness, to bend him 
to our will. The education of the horse should be that of the 
child. Pleasure is, as much as possible, associated with the 
early lessons ; but firmness, or, if need be, coercion, must establish 
the habit of obedience. Tyranny and cruelty will, more speediK 
m the horse than even in the child, provoke the wish to diso- 
bey ; and, on every practicable occasion, the resistance to com- 
mand. The restive and vicious horse is, in ninety-nine cases 
out of a hundred, made so by ill-usage, and not by nature. None, 
but those who will take the trouble to make the experiment, are 
aware how absolute a command the due admixture of firmne&s 
and kindness will soon give us over any horse. 

CASTRATION. 

The period at which this operation may be best performed de- 
pends much on the breed and form of the colt, and the purpose 
for which he is destined. For the common agricultural horse 
the age of four or five months will be the most proper time, or, 
at least before he is weaned. Few horses are lost when cut at 
that age. Care, however, should be taken that the weather is 
not too hot, nor the flies too numerous. 

li the horse is designed either for the carriage or for heavy 



CASTRATION. 245 

draught, the farmer should not think of castrating him until he 
is at least a twelvemonth old ; and, even then, the colt should be 
carefully examined. If he is thin and spare about the neck and 
shoulders, and low in the withers, he will materially improve by 
remaining uncut another six months ; but if his fore-quarters are 
fairly developed at the age of a twelvemonth, the operation 
should not be delayed, lest he become heavy and gross before, 
and perhaps has begun too decidedly to have a will of his own. 
No specific age, then, can be fixed ; but the castration should be 
performed rather late in the spring or early in the autumn, when 
the air is temperate, and particularly when the weather is dry. 

No preparation is necessary for the sucking colt, but it may 
be prudent to bleed and to physic one of more advanced age. 
In the majority of cases, no after treatment will be necessary, 
except that the animal should be sheltered from intense heat, and 
more particularly from wet. In temperate weather, he will do 
much better running in the field, than nursed in a close and hot 
stable. The moderate exercise that he will take in grazing will 
be preferable to perfect inaction. 

The old method of opening the scrotum (testicle bag), on 
either side, and cutting off the testicles, and preventing bleeding 
by a temporary compression of the vessels, while they are seared 
with a. hot iron, must not, perhaps, be abandoned ; but there is no 
necessity of that extra pain, when the spermatic cord (the blood- 
vessels and the nerve) is compressed between two pieces of wood 
as tightly as in a vice, and there left until the following day, or 
until the testicle drops off. 

The practice of some farmers of twitching * their colts at an 
early period, exposes the animal to much unnecessary pain, and 
is accompanied with considerable danger., 

Another method of castration is by Torsion. An incision is 
made into the scrotum, and the vas deferens is exposed and 
divided. The artery is then seized by a pair of forceps contrived 
for the purpose, and twisted six or seven times round. It retracts 
without untwisting the coils, and bleeding ceases. The testicle 
is removed, and there is no sloughing or danger. The most pain- 
ful part of the operation — the operation of the firing-iron or the 
clams — is avoided, and the wound readily heals. f 

* Termed cording in the United States. — Am. Ed. 

\ Note by Mr. Spooner. — We agree with the author, that the old 
method of operating, by opening the scrotum with the knife, cutting the 
clams on the cord, and searing it off with the hot iron is as safe and unob- 
jectionable as any. We have, however, in performing this operation, found 
the u^e of chloroform very beneficial, both in removing all pain, and also 
preventing that severe struggling which often takes place, and which has 
sometimes been followed with very dangerous consequences. With this 
assistance we have safely performed the operation in seven minutes, with- 
out any pain to the animal. 



CHAPTER XII. 



THE FORE LEGS. 

We arrive now ac those parts of the frame which are most 
essentially connected with the action and value of the horse, and 
oftenest, and most annoyingly, the subjects of disease 

SPRAIN" OF THE SHOULDER. 

The muscles of the shoulder-blade are occasionally injured by 
some severe shock. This is effected ofteuer by a slip or side-fall, 
than by fair, although violent exertion. It is of considerable 
importance to be able to distinguish this shoulder-lameness from 
injuries of other parts of the fore extremity. There is not much 
tenderness, or heat, or swelling. If, on standing before the" horse, 
and looking at the size of the two shoulders, or rather their points, 
one should appear evidently larger than the other, this must not 
be considered as indicative of sprain of the muscles of the shoul- 
der. It probably arises from bruise of the point of the shoulder, 
which a slight examination will determine. 

In sprain of the shoulder the horse evidently suffers extreme 
pain while moving, and, the muscle underneath being inflamed 
and tender, he will extend it as little as possible. He will drag 
his toe along the ground. It is in the lifting of the foot that the 
shoulder is principally moved. If the foot is lifted high, let the 
horse be ever so lame, the shoulder is little, if at all affected. 

In shoulder-lameness, the toe alone rests on the ground. The 
circumstance which most of all characterises this affection is, that 
when the foot is lifted an 1 then brought considerably forward 
the horse will express very great pain, which he will not do if 
the lameness is in the foot or the leg. 

In sprain of the internal muscles of the shoulder, few local 
measures can be adopted. The horse should be bled from the 
vein on the inside of the arm (the plate vein), because the blood 
is then abstracted more immediately from the inflamed part. A 
dose of physic should be given, and fomentations applied, and 
principally on the inside of the arm, close to the chest, and the 
horse should be kept as quiet as possible. The injury is too 



SLANTING OF THE SHOULDER. 



247 



deeply seated for external stimulants to have very great effect, 
yet a blister will properly be resorted to, if the lameness is not 
speedily removed.^ 

SLANTING DIRECTION OF THE SHOULDER. 

It will be observed, that (see G and J, Fig. 1 .) the shoulder-blade 
and the lower bone of the shoulder are not connected together in 
a straight line, but form a very considerable angle with each 
other. This will be more evident from the following cut, which 
represents the fore and hind extremities in the situations which 
they occupy in the horse. 

Fig. 33. 




This angular construction of the limbs reminds us of the 
similar arrangement of the springs of a carriage, and the ease of 
motion, and almost perfect freedom from jolting, which art 
thereby obtained. 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — The symptoms of shoulder lameness as pointed 
out iu the text, are for the most part correct. A horse, however, never points 
in this disease, but will sometimes keep the lame limb further back than the 
other. The pain is almost entirely felt in motion, and not in sustaining the 
weight; whilst, in strains of the flexor tendons, there is no pain in extending 
the limb, but only when the weight comes upon it ; so that a horse, in the 
latter case, steps short with the sound leg and long with the lame one, and 
the very reverse in shoulder lameness. Bleeding from the arm, and mildly 
blistering the shoulder, generally succeeds in effecting a cure. 



24 b 



SLANTING OF THE SHOULDER. 



The obliquity or slanting direction of the shoulder effects other 
very useful purposes. That the stride in the gallop, or the space 
passed over in the trot, may be extensive, it is necessary that the 
(ore part of the animal should be considerably elevated. The 
shoulder, by means of the muscles which extend from it to the 
inferior part of the limb, is the grand agent in effecting this. 
Had the bones of the shoulder been placed more upright than we 
see them, they could not then have been of the length which 
they now are, — their connection with the chest could not have 
been so secure, — and their movements upon each other would 
have been comparatively restricted. 

The slanting shoulder accomplishes a most useful object. The 
muscles extending from the shoulder-blade to the lower bone of 
the shoulder are the powers by which motion is given to the 
whole of the limb. The extent and energy of that motion 
depend much on the force exerted or the strength of the muscle; 
but there are circumstances in the relative situations of the dif- 
ferent bones which have far greater influence. 

Let it be supposed that, by means of a lever, some one is 
endeavoring to raise a certain weight. 

A is a lever, resting or turning on a pivot B ; C is the w r enrht 
to be raised ; and D is the power, or the situation at which the 
power is applied . If the strength is applied in the direction per- 
pendicular to the lever, as represented by the line E, the power 
which must be exerted can easily be calculated. 

Fig. 34. 




In proportion as the distance of the power from the pivot or 
centre of motion exceeds that of the weight from the same place, 
so will be the advantage gained. The power here is twice as 
far from the center as the weight is, and therefore advantage is 
gained in the proportion of two to one : or if the weight is equal 
to 2001bs., a force of lOOlbs. will balance it. If the direction in 
which the power is applied is altered, and it is in that of the line 
F, will lOOlbs. effect the purpose? No ; nothing like it. How, 
then, is the necessary power to be calculated ? The line of 
direction must be prolonged, until another line, falling perpen- 
dicularly from the lever, and commencing at the center of mo- 
tion, will cut it ; and the length of that line will give the actual 



SLANTING OF THE SHOULDER. 249 

effect of the strength employed. Now, this new line is but half 
as long as the distance of the weight from the centre of motion, 
and therefore advantage is lost in the proportion of two to one ; 
or a strength equal to 4001bs. must be exerted to raise the 2001bs., 
and so in proportion to the deviation from the right or perpendic- 
ular line. 

Let the shoulder of the horse be considered. The point of the 
shoulder — the shoulder joint — is the pivot or centre of motion; 
the leg attached to the bone of the arm is the weight ; the 
shoulder-blade being more fixed is the part whence the power 
emanates ; and the muscles extending from the one to the other 
are the lines in which that power is exerted. These lines 
approach much more nearly to a perpendicular in the oblique 
than in the upright shoulder (see Fig. 33). In the upright one, 
the shoulder-blade and the bones of the arm are almost in a 
straight line, and the real action and power of the muscles are 
most strangely diminished. In this point of view the oblique 
shoulder is most important. It not only gives extensive action, but 
facility of action. The power ol the muscles is more than doubled 
by being exerted in a line approaching so much nearer to a per- 
pendicular. 

The oblique shoulder is less exposed to concussion, particularly 
n rapid action. The horse is less likely to trip. Nature, as if 
to supply the deficiency of action and of power in an upright 
shoulder, invariably accumulates on it more muscle, and there- 
fore the upright shoulder is proverbially thick and cloddy. 

Then, ought every horse to have an oblique shoulder ? No ! 
The question has relation to those horses that are designed to 
ride pleasantly, or from which extensive and rapid action is re- 
quired. In them it has been said that an oblique shoulder is 
indispensable : but there are others which are seldom ridden ; 
whose pace is slow, and who have nothing to do but to throw as 
much weight as possible into the collar. To them an upright 
shoulder is an advantage, because its additional thickness gives 
them additional weight to throw into the collar, which the power 
of their hinder quarters is fully sufficient to accomplish ; and 
because the upright position of the shoulder gives that direction 
to the collar which enables the horse to act upon every part of 
it, and that inclination of the traces which will enable his 
weight or power to be most advantageously employed. 

An improved breed of our heavy draught-horses has of late 
years been attempted, and with much success. Sufficient up- 
rightness of shoulder is retained for the purposes of draught, while 
a slight degree of obliquity has materially quickened the pace 
and improved the appearance. 

k 



2/50 



MUSCLES OF THE SHOULDER. 



CUT / THE MUSCLES ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE SHOULDER. 

a and b t in Fig. 35, represent a portion of the Trapezius mus- 

r\e. Its use is to elevate and support the shoulder-blade — to 

Y\a 35. raise it and likewise 

to draw it backward. 
A portion of it is 
represented as turned 
back, to show the 
muscles beneath. 

A moment's consid- 
eration will convince 
the reader that al- 
though a low fore- 
hand and thick shoul- 
der are very properly 
objected to, yet still 
some fullness and 
fleshiness are necessa- 
ry, even about the 
withers ; otherwise, 
although there may 
be height of withers, 
and obliquity of shoul- 
der, to give extensive 
action, there will not 
be sufficient muscular 
power to work the 
machine with either 
quickness or continu- 
ance. 

At c is a portion of 
the levator humeri 
(the raiser of the shoul- 
der). It is a muscle 
of immense power and 
great utility, raising 
and drawing forward 
the shoulder and the 
arm, or, when these 
are fixed, turning the head and neck if one only acts, and de- 
pressing them if the muscles on both sides act at the same time. 
At d is a portion of the serratus magnus muscle, between the 
shoulder and side of the chest, and constituting the bulk of the 
lower part of the neck. 

At e is a small portion of the splenius muscle, f, represents a 
muscle sometimes described as a portion of the levator humeri 




MUSCLES OF THE SHOULDER. 



251 



At g is a portion of the sterno mazillaris, or muscle common 
Co the fore part of the chest and the lower jaw. 

h designates the principal portion of this muscle, extending from 
the shoulder to the humerus, and employed in drawing this bone 
towards the shoulder-blade, and bending the whole of the limb. 

The muscle i, antea spinatus, is situated on the outer and 
anterior part of the shoulder, below and behind the muscle next 
mentioned ; and its office is to extend the lower bone of tlv 
shoulder on the shoulder-blade. 

The muscle j, postea spinatus, behind the spine or ridge, 
occupies that space of the shoulder. It draws this bone outward 
and upward. 

At k, is a muscle common to the breast and the shoulder-blade, 
and called the pectoralis parvus. Its action, in common with 
that of a larger muscle, seen at m, the great pectoral, is to draw 
the head of the shoulder backward, and also the lower part of the 
shoulder-blade, and to give the latter a more upright position. 

At q, is the tendon of a very important muscle, the extensor 
longus of the arm. At r and s, are the three divisions of another 
muscle concerned in the same office. 

1, 2 and 3 designate the places of the principal artery, nerve, 
and vein of the leg ; 4 gives the subcutaneous vein running within 
the arm ; and 5 the subcutaneous vein of the side of the chest. 

Fig. 36 represents the muscles on the 
inside of the shoulder and fore-arm. a 
is a very prominent one. It is called the 
pectoralis transversus (the muscle cross- 
ing the breast). The use of this muscle 
is obvious and important. It binds the 
arm to the side of the horse ; it keeps 
the legs straight before the horse when 
he is at speed, that the weight of the 
body may be received on them in a di- 
rection most easy and safe to the horse 
and to the rider, and most advantageous 
for the full play of all the muscles con- 
cerned in progression. Considering the 
unevenness of surface over which a horse 
often passes, and the rapid turnings 
which are sometimes necessary, these 
muscles have enough to do ; and when 
the animal is pushed beyond his strength, 
and these muscles are wearied, and the 
fore-iegs spread out, and the horse is 
" all abroad,'" the confused and unpleas- 
ant manner of going, and the sudden 
l^lling-ofT in speed, are well known to 




252 THE ARM. 

every rider. The lines above represent, in the order from the 
front, the principal nerves, arteries, and veins of the shoulder 
and arm ; and, on the muscles, k represents the principal sub- 
cutaneous vein of the inside of the arm, and i the artery by 
which it is accompanied. 

THE HUMERUS, OR LOWER BONE OF THE SHOULDER. 

Forming a joint with the shoulder-blade, at the point of the 
shoulder, is the humerus. It is a short, strong bone, slanting 
backward in an opposite direction to the shoulder-blade. At the 
upper part it has a large round head, received into the shallow 
cavity of the shoulder-blade. In a well- formed horse this bone 
can scarcely be too short. 

THE ARM. 

The arm extending from the elbow to the knee (see K and L, 
Fig. 1, and also Fig. 35), consists, in the young horse, of two dis- 
tinct bones. The long and front bone, called the radius,, is nearly 
straight, receiving into its upper end the lower heads of the hu- 
merus ; and the lower end corresponding with the upper layer of 
the bones of the knee. The short and hinder bone is called the 
ulna. It has a very long and powerful projection, received be- 
tween the heads of the humerus, and called the elbow ; it then 
stretches down, narrowing by degrees (see L, Fig. 1 , and the Fig. 
35), to below the middle of the front bone, where it terminates 
in a point. The two bones are united together by cartilage and 
ligament ; but these are by degrees absorbed and changed to bone, 
and before the horse becomes old the whole of the arm consists 
of one bone only. 

The strength of the horse, so far as his fore limbs are concerned, 
resides principally in those muscles which give size to the arm. 

A full and swelling fore-arm is the characteristic of every 
thorough-bred horse. Whatever other good points the animal 
may possess, if the arm is narrow in front and near the shoulder, 
flat on the side, and altogether deficient in muscular appearance, 
that horse is radically defective. He can neither raise his knee 
for rapid action, nor throw his legs sufficiently forward. 

The arm should likewise be long. In proportion to the length 
of the muscle is the degree of contraction of which it is capable ; 
and in proportion also to the degree of contraction will be the 
extent of motion in the limb beneath. 

Enlargements sometimes appear about the elbow, either the 
consequence of a violent, blow, or irom the calks of the shoes in- 
juring this part, when the horse sleeps with his legs doubled under 
him. If a seton is passed through the tumor, it will sometime 



THE KNEE. 253 

rapidly diminish, and even disappear ; but if it is of considerable 
magnitude, the skin should be opened along the middle of the 
swelling, and the tumor dissected out. 

The elbow-joint is sometimes punctured, either accidentally, or 
through the brutality of the groom or carter. The swelling is 
often rapid and extensive, and fatal inflammation may ensue. 
Rest, and the closure of the wound, are the most important con- 
siderations. 

There are other muscles of the fore-arm employed in extending 
the limb. At x, Fig. 35, is the principal one, called the extensor 
metacarpi. Its office is to extend the leg. 

The next muscle in situation and importance is seen at w, and 
called the extensor pedis. 

At u, Fig. 35, is the tendon of another extensor muscle, and 
at z a curious oblique one, passing over the tendon of x, confining 
it in its situation, and likewise assisting in extending or straight- 
ening the leg. 

The muscles employed in bending the leg are both numerous 
and powerful. Two of the superficial ones are given in Fig. 36.- 
The first is at t, Fig. 35 ; it is also seen at b, Fig. 35. It is 
called the flexor medius metacarpi, because its office is to bend 
the leg. The other is seen at v, Fig. 35. It is called the flexor 
metacarpi externum, and is also designed to flex the leg. 

The internal flexor is seen at e. Its office is also to bend the 
leg. 

A portion of one of the most powerful of the flexor muscles, 
and powerful indeed they must be, is delineated at c, Fig. 35. 
It is the flexor brachii. It is the muscle by which, almost alone, 
the whole of the leg: below the arm is bent, and carried forward 
and upward. [There are other muscles of the leg and foot, not 
necessary to be named here.] 



THE KNEE. 

To avoid the effects of concussion in so exposed a part, six dis- 
tiuct bones, each covered above and below with a thick coating 
of cartilage, connected together by strong ligaments, but separated 
by interposed fluids and membranes, form the knee. 

The knee should be broad. It should present a very consider- 
able width, compared with the arm above, or the shank below. 
In proportion to the breadth of the knee is the space for the at- 
tachment of muscles, and for the accumulation of ligamentous 
expansions and bands. In proportion to the breadth of the knee 
there will be more strength ; and likewise the direction of some 
muscles will be less oblique, and the course of others will be more 



264 BROKEN KNEES. 

removed from the centre of motion, in either of which cases mu>-h 
power will be gained. 

BROKEN KNEES. 

The treatment of broken knees is a subject of considerable 
mportance, for many horses are sadly blemished, and others are 
destroyed, by wounds in the knee-joint. The horse, when falling, 
naturally throws his knees forward ; they receive all his weight, 
and are sometimes very extensively lacerated. The first thing 
to be done is, by very careful washing with warm water, to 
cleanse the wound from all gravel and dirt. It must then be 
ascertained whether the joint is penetrated. The grating of the 
probe on one .of the bones of the knee, or the depth to which 
the probe enters the wound, will too plainly indicate that the 
joint has been opened. Should any doubt exist, a linseed-meal 
poultice must be applied. This will at least act as a fomenta- 
tion to the wound, and will prevent or abate inflammation ; and 
when, twelve hours afterwards, it is taken off, the synovia or 
joint-ail, in the form of a glairy, yellowish, transparent fluid, 
will be seen, if the capsular ligament has been penetrated. 
Should doubt remain after the first poultice, a second ought 
to be applied. 

It having been ascertained that the interior of the joint is not 
injured, attention must be paid to the wound that is actually made. 
The horse should wear a cradle to prevent his getting at the 
wound. A stimulating application — the common black-oil of 
the farrier is as good as any — should be lightly applied every 
day, until healthy pus is produced on the wound, and then a little 
friar's balsam will probably effect a cure. 

The opening of the joint, however, being ascertained, the first 
and immediate care is to close the orifice ; for the fluid which 
separated and lubricated the bones of the knee being suffered to 
escape, they will be brought into contact with and will rub upon 
each other ; the delicate membrane with which they are covered 
will be highly inflamed ; the constitution will be speedily 
affected, and a degree of fever will ensue that will destroy the 
horse : while, in the meantime, of all the tortures that can be- 
inflicted on the poor animal, none can equal that which accom- 
panies inflammation of the membranes lining the joints. 

The manner of closing the orifice must be left to the judg- 
ment of the veterinary surgeon, who alone is capable of properly 
treating such a case. It may be effected by a compress enclos- 
ing the whole of the wound, and not to be removed for many 
days ; or it may be attempted by the old and generally successful 
method of applying the hot iron over the wound, and particularly 



BROKEN KNEEb. 255 

over the spot where the ligament appears to be lacerated. A 
poultice may then be placed on the part, and the case treated 
as a common wound. The surgeon will find no difficulty in de- 
termining whether the sharp edge of the common firing-iron 
should be used — as would be the case if the laceration is con 
siderable, or whether the budding-iron should be resorted to 
After the use of the cautery, the application of a blister may, 
in some cases, be serviceable. Should the joint-oil continue to 
flow, the iron may be applied a second, or even a third time. 
By its application, so much swelling is produced on the imme- 
diate puncture, and in the neighboring parts, as mechanically to 
close up and plug the orifice. 

If, however, the opening into the joint is extensive, and the 
joint-oil continues to flow, and the horse is evidently suffering 
much pain, humanity will dictate that he should be destroyed 
The case is hopeless. A high degree of fever will ere long carry 
him off, or the inflammation will cause a deposit of matter in 
the cavity of the joint that will produce incurable lameness.^ 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — The knee is subject to a variety of injuries from 
falls. Sometimes, though the wound is large and apparently formidable, it 
is yet but an ordinary wound, and will heal readily with common treat- 
ment. At other times, partly from the width and extent of the wound, and 
partly from the restlessness of the animal, a wide and deep fissure takes 
place, which opens every time the horse bends his knee, and the sides of 
the chap growing at the same time, the wound becomes deeper and wider, 
and is extremely difficult to heal. The best mode of treatment is to cut 
8 way the sides and edges of the fisssure to its full depth, thereby convert 
ing it into one simple wound, which may be healed with little difficulty. 
When the joint is opened the treatment must be conducted on very differ- 
ent principles from that of an ordinary wound; whereas, in the latter case, 
fomentations and poultices are very proper, in order to cleanse the wound, 
and to keep down inflammation. When the joint is opened, these measures 
are to be avoided, as they increase irritation, by keeping open the joint, and 
encouraging the flow of synovia (joint-oil), and the entrance of the air. 

In a case of open joint, our principal endeavor must be to close the joint 
with all possible despatch ; but even with judicious treatment our chances 
of success will materially depend on one or two circumstances, viz., the size 
of the wound, the cavity opened, and the fact as to whether inflammation is 
already set up in the joint or not. If the latter be the case, our chances 
of success are very slight, for the joint will, in all probability, become an- 
chvlosed or stiff. We may in great measure ascertain the existence of 
inflammation by the animal placing the limb in a bent position, and keep- 
ing it in motion by pawing from uneasiness. There are various methods 
of closing an open joint. A simple, and often a very effective one, is by 
means of a solution of bichloride of mercury in a solution of spirits 
of wine, and applied to the wound several times a day by means of a fea- 
ther, till the synovia ceases to flow. Another is the application of the 
hot iron. The object in both these modes is to coagulate the synovia, so 
as to form a temporary plug to the joint, till nature has time to close it 
more permanently. If either of these methods are adopted, it will not do 
to apply a poultice afterwards, as stated in the text as this would wash 



256 THE LEG SPLINT. 



THE LEG. 



The part of the limb between the knee and the fetlock consists 
of three bones — a large one before, called the cannon or shank, 
and two smaller or spli?it bones behind (see N, Fig. 1). 

The smaller bones are placed behind the larger ones on either 

le. They are united to the larger bone by a ligamentous sub- 
stance. They reach from one-half to two-thirds of the length 
of the shank-bone, and, through their whole extent, are united 
to it by this substance ; but, from the animal being worked too 
soon, or too violently, inflammation ensues — bony matter is de- 
posited in the room of the ligamentous, and a bony union takes 
place instead of the natural one. There is no doubt that the 
ease of motion is somewhat lessened by this substitution ol bone, 
but other elastic principles are probably called into more power- 
ful action, and the value of the horse is not perceptibly impaired, 
although it is hard to say what secret injury may be done to the 
neighboring joints, and the cause of which, the lameness not 
appearing until a distant period, is not suspected. 

In this process, however, mischief does often immediately ex- 
tend to the neighboring parts. The disposition to deposit bone 
reaches beyond the space between the larger and smaller bones 
of the leg, and a tumor, first callous, and afterwards bony, is 
found, with part of its base resting on the line of union between 
these bones. This is called a 

SPLINT. 

The splint is invariably found on the outside of the small bones 
and generally on the inside of the leg (c, Fig. 41). The inner 
bone receives the whole weight transmitted to the small bone of 
the knee ; and the absurd practice of many smiths of raising the 
outer heel of the shoe to an extravagant degree, throws still 
more of the weight of the horse on the inner splint-bone. 

Bony tumors occasionally appear on other parts of the shank 
bone, being the consequence of violent blows or other external 
injuries, and are commonly called splints. 

away the plug which we have sought to form. Another method of treat- 
ment, is to apply compresses of bandages and paste, letting them continue 
on for a length of time, so as to close the joint mechanically. Over these 
bundages we may apply linseed poultices with advantage, as by so doing 
we keep down inflammation without washing coagulated synovia from the 
wound. By this means we may succeed even in formidable wounds, if in- 
flammation has not been previously set up in the joint. It is very desirable 
that the horse should keep the limb in a straight position; lying down 
should therefore be avoided, and it is often necessary to support the ani 
mal in si hilts. 



SPLINT SPEEDY CUT 257 

When the splint of either sort is forming, the horse is frequently 
lame, for the periosteum or membrane covering the bone is pain- 
fully stretched ; but when this membrane has accommodated it- 
self to the tumor that extended it, the lameness subsides, and al- 
together disappears, unless the splint be in a situation in which it 
interferes with the action of some tendon or ligament, or in the 
immediate neighborhood of a joint. Pressing upon a ligament or 
tendon, it may cause inflammation of those substances ; or, being 
close to a joint, it may interfere with its action. Splints, then, 
do not necessarily cause unsoundness, and may not lessen in the 
slightest degree the action or value of the horse. All depends on 
their situation. 

The treatment of splints, if it is worth while to meddle with 
them, is exceedingly simple. The hair should be closely shaved 
off round the tumor ; a little strong mercurial ointment rubbed 
in for two days ; and this followed by an active blister. If the 
splint is of recent formation, it will generally yield to this, or to 
a second blister. Should it, however, resist these applications, it 
not unfrequently happens, that it will afterwards, and at no great 
distance of time, begin rapidly to lessen, and quite disappear. 
There is also a natural process by which the greater part of splints 
disappear when the horse grows old. 

The hydriodate of potash, made into an ointment with lard, 
and a small quantity of mercurial ointment being added, will 
frequently cause the disappearance of a splint of either sort.* 

Speedy Cut. — The inside of the leg, immediately under the 
knee, and extending to the head of the inner splint-bone, is sub- 
ject to injury from what is termed the speedy cut. A horse with 
high action, and in the fast trot, violently strikes this part, either 
with his hoof or the edge of the shoe. Sometimes bony enlarge- 
ment is the result ; at others, great heat and tenderness ; and the 
laain from the blow seems occasionally to be so great, that the 
norse drops as if he were shot. The only remedy is to take care 
that no part of the shoe projects beyond the foot ; and to let the 
inner side of the shoe — except the country is very deep, or the 
horse used for hunting — have but one nail, and that near the toe. 
This part of the hoof, being unfettered with nails, will expand 
when it comes in contact with the ground, and contract when in 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — The best remedy for splints is unquestionably 
stibcutaceous 'periosteotomy, an operation which consists in making a small 
incision through the skin at the lower part of the splint, and passing up a 
small knife made for the purpose under the skin, and so dividing the peri- 
osteum, as the membrane which covers the bone is termed. This relieves 
the tension, and thus puts a stop to the irritation, and its consequence, the 
bony deposition. A small seton is left in the wound for a fortnight, which 
keeps it open and produces some counter irritation. 
J i 17 



258 SPRAIN OF THE BACK-SINEWS. 

air and relieved from the pressure of the weight oi the body ; and, 
although this contraction is to no great extent, it will be sufficient 
to carry the foot harmlessly by the leg. Care should likewise be 
taken that the shoe is of equal thickness at the heel and the toe, 
and that the bearing is equal on both sides. 

Tied in Below the Knee. — Immediately under the knee, is 
one of those ligamentous rings by which the tendons are so use- 
fully bound down and secured ; but if the hinder bone of the 
knee, the trapezium, described at p. 250, is not sufficiently prom- 
inent, this ring will confine the flexor tendons of the foot too 
tightly, and the leg will be very deficient in depth under the knee. 
This is called being tied in below the knee (b, Fig. 41). Every 
horseman recognizes it as a most serious defect. It is scarcely 
compatible with speed, and most assuredly not with continuance. 
Such a horse cannot be ridden far and fast, without serious sprain 
of the back sinews. There are few more serious defects than this 
tying-in of the tendons immediately below the knee. The fore- 
leg may be narrow in front, but it must be deep at the side, in 
order to render the horse valuable ; for then only will the tendons 
have free action, and the muscular force be exerted in the most 
advantageous direction. There are few good race-horses whose 
legs are not deep below the knee. If there are exceptions, it is 
because their exertion, although violent, is but of short continuance. 

In a perfect leg, and towards its lower part, there should be 
three distinct and perfect projections visible to the eye, as well as 
perceptible by the finger — the sides of the shank-bone being the 
most forward of the three ; next, the suspensory ligament ; and, 
hindermost of all, the flexor tendons. When these are not to be 
distinctly seen or felt, or there is considerable thickening about 
them and between them (d, Fig. 41), and the leg is round instead 
Df flat and deep, there has been what is commonly, but improp- 
erly, called^ 

SPRAIN OF THE BACK-SINEWS. 

These tendons are enclosed in a sheath of dense cellular sub- 
stance, in order to confine them in their situation, and to defend 
them from injury. Between the tendon and the sheath, there is 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — We cannot agree with the author when he says 
that there are few good race-horses but what, are deep in the leg below the 
knee. Very many first class race- horses have very faulty fore-legs, being 
slight and tottering below the knee. It is well known to trainers that such 
legs often stand their work very well, for race horses require strength rather 
in the extensors than in the flexors of the limb. Their action should be long 
and low, not high and round, which high withers and strong flexor muscles 
are calculated to produce. Thus what would be a grievous fault in alnvwt 
every other kind of horse, is not, with a horse kept purely for the turf. 



SPRAIN OF THE BACK-SINEWS. 259 

a mucous fluid to prevent friction ; but when the horse has been 
over-worked, or put to sudden or violent exertion, the tendon 
presses upon the delicate membrane lining the sheath, and in- 
flammation is produced. A different fluid is then thrown out, 
which coagulates, and adhesions are formed between the tendon 
and the sheath, and the motion of the limb is more difficult and 
painful. At other times, from violent or long-continued exertion, 
some of the fibres which confine the tendons are ruptured. A 
slight injury of this nature is called a sprain of the back-sinews 
or tendons ; and, when it is more serious, the horse is said to have 
broken down. It should be remembered, however, that the ten- 
don can never be sprained, because it is inelastic and incapable 
of extension ; and the tendon, or its sheath, are scarcely ever 
ruptured, even in what is called breaking down. The first injury 
is confined to inflammation of the sheath, or rupture of a few of 
the attaching fibres. This inflammation, however, is often very 
great, the pain intense, and the lameness excessive. The anguish 
expressed at every bending of the limb, and the local swelling 
and heat, will clearly indicate the seat of injury. 

In every serious affection of this kind, care should be taken 
that the local inflammation does not produce general disturbance 
of the system ; and, therefore, the horse should be bled and phys- 
icked. The bleeding may be at the toe, by which an important 
local, as well as general, effect will be produced. The vessels of 
the heart will be relieved, while fever will be prevented. [For 
directions for bleeding at the toe, see Art. "Bleeding," p. 190.] 

As a local application, no hot farrier's oil should come near the 
part, but the leg should be well fomented with warm water two 
or three times in the day, and half an hour at each time. Be- 
tween the fomentations, the leg should be enclosed in a poultice 
of linseed-meal. Any herb that pleases the owner may be added 
to the fomentation, or vinegar or Goulard's extract to the poultice ; 
for the beneficial effect of both depends simply on the warmth of 
the water and the moisture of the poultice. All stimulating ap- 
plications will infallibly aggravate the mischief. 

The horse beginning to put his foot better to the ground, and 
to bear pressure on the part, and the heat having disappeared, the 
object to be accomplished is changed. Recurrence of the inflam- 
mation must be prevented, the enlargement must be got rid of, 
and the parts must be strengthened. The two latter purposes 
cannot be better effected than by using an elastic bandage — one 
of thin flannel will be the best. This will sustain and support 
the limb, while by few means are the absorbents sooner induced 
to take up the effused coagulable matter of which the swelling is 
composed, than by moderate pressure. If the bandage is kept 
wet with vinegar — to each pint of which a quarter of a pint of 



260 SPRAIN OF THE BACK-SINEWS. 

spirit of wine has been added — the skin will be slightly stimu- 
lated and contracted, and the cold produced by the constant evap 
oration will tend to subdue the remaining - and deep-seated inflam 
mation. This bandage should be daily tightened in proportion as 
the parts are capable of bearing increased pressure, and the treat- 
ment should be persisted in for a fortnight. If, at the expiration 
of that period, there is no swelling, tenderness, or heat, the horse 
may gradually, and very cautiously, be put to his usual work. 

Should there, however, remain the slightest lameness or con- 
siderable enlargement, the leg must be blistered, and, indeed, it 
would seldom be bad practice to blister after every case of severe 
sprain, for the inflammation may lie deep in the sheath of the 
tendons, and the part once sprained may long remain weak, and 
subject to renewed injury, not only from unusual, but even ordi- 
nary exertion. If a blister is resorted to, time should be given 
for it to produce its gradual and full effect, and the horse should 
be afterwards turned out for one or two months. We must here 
be permitted to repeat, that a blister should never be used while 
any heat or tenderness remains about the part, otherwise the 
slightest injury may be, and often is, converted into incurable 
lameness. 

Very severe sprains, or much oftener, sprains badly treated, 
may require the application of the cautery. If from long-con- 
tinued inflammation the structure of the part is materially 
altered — if the swelling is becoming callous, or the skin is thick 
ened and prevents the free motion of the limb, no stimulus short 
of the heated iron will be sufficient to rouse the absorbents to 
remove the injurious deposit. The firing should be applied in 
straight lines, because the skin, contracting by the application 
of the cautery, and gradually regaining its elastic nature, will 
thus form the best bandage over the weakened part. It should 
likewise be as deep as it can be applied without penetrating the 
skin. Here, even more particularly than in the blister, time 
should be given for the full action of the firing. Many weeks 
pass away before it is perfectly accomplished ; and, after firing, 
the horse should have at least a six months', and it would be 
better if he could be given a twelve months' run at grass.* 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — In the original description of the anatomy of 
these parts in the text there are one or two omissions which it is necessary 
to supply. The office of these tendons is two-fold, viz., to flex the limb and 
also to sustain a great portion of the animal's weight. They therefore act 
both as sinews and as ligaments. In the latter office they are greatly as- 
sisted by a strong ligamentous substance which is attached to the common 
bone above, and to the perforans tendon below, for which, indeed, it formg 
a sheath. In those strains of the tendons where the enlargement takes 
place, just under the knee, this ligament is the seat of mischief; and the 
effect is, if not early subdued, to cause a contraction of the sinews, and con- 



WIND-GALLS. 2tl 

In examining a horse for the purchase, the closest attention 
should be paid to the appearance of the flex or tendons. Li 
there is any thickening of the substance around them, it shows 
that the horse has been strained, and is not sound. He has 
been patched up for awhile, but will fail again when severe 
exertion is required from him. 

WIND-GALLS. 

In the neighborhood of the fetlock there are occasionally found 
considerable enlargements, oftener on the hind-leg than the fore- 
one, which are denominated, ivind-galls, (e, Fig. 41). Between 
the tendons and other parts, and wherever the tendons are ex- 
posed to pressure or friction, and particularly about their ex- 
tremities, little bags or sacs are placed, containing and suffering 
to ooze slowly from them a mucous fluid to lubricate (make 
slippery) the parts. From undue pressure, and that most fre- 

eequently produce first a straight or knuckling, and afterwards an over 
shot fetlock, so that the animal is rendered useless, and requires, in order 
to restore him to any degree of usefulness, the performance of an opera- 
tion denominated 

Division of the Flexor tendons, the purpose of which is actually to 
lengthen the sinews, and thus restore the fetlock to its original position. 
The operation is performed midway between the knee and the fetlock, 
there being there no sheath of any consequence, and no synovial cavity to 
to be opened. The tendons being divided recede to the extent of from one 
to two inches, which space is, in the course of a month, filled up with new 
tendinous substance thrown out from the divided extremities of the 
sinews. 

In the ordinary strains of the flexor tendons the seat of injury is usually 
either midway between the knee and the fetlock, or somewhat nearer the 
latter joint than the former. There is every possible variety as to the 
amount of injury, varying from a slight lameness and a trivial enlargement 
to a very considerable swelling, and excessive pain, inflammation, and 
lameness. It has been doubted whether the sinews themselves are actually 
enlarged, many supposing that the swelling is confined to their sheathy in- 
vestments. The writer, however, is assured from numerous dissections, 
as well as from the operation before alluded to of dividing the sinews, that 
they actually become both inflamed and enlarged. 

When the lameness and enlargement are excessive, the mischief is de- 
nominatea in racing stables a break-down ; but in such instances this serious 
mischief is nearly always preceded by a slight strain, which is allowed to 
pass either unobserved or neglected, for we often find that no men are so 
careless and neglectful in this respect as those who are intrusted with the 
most valuable of all horses. 

In these very severe cases the most energetic measures should be 
adopted, such as copious bleeding from the arm, repeated if necessary once 
or twice ; constant Avar m fomentations for some hours at a time; physic, 
and after some days, cold applications to the leg, continued without inter- 
mission. By such treatment, the writer has succeeded in restoring the 
animal to hunting work, when strained to such a degree as to be incapable 
of standing on the leg for a week. 



262 WIND-GALLS. 

quently caused by violent action and straining of the tendons, 
or, often, from some predisposition about the horse, these little 
sacs are injured. They take on inflammation, and sometimes 
become large and hardened. There are few horses perfectly tree 
from them. When they first appear, and until the inflamma- 
tion subsides, they may be accompanied by some degree of 
lameness ; but otherwise, except when they attain a great size, 
they do not interfere with the action of the animal, or cause any 
considerable unsoundness. The farriers used to suppose that 
they contained wind — hence their name, wind-galls ; and hence 
the practice of opening them, by which dreadful inflammation 
was often produced, and many a valuable horse destroyed. It 
is not uncommon for wind-galls entirely to disappear in aged 
horses. 

A slight wind-gall will scarcely be subjected to treatment ; 
but if these tumors are numerous and large, and seem to impede 
the motion of the limb, they may be attacked first by bandage. 
The rollers should be of flannel, and soft pads should be placed 
on each of the enlargements, and bound down tightly upon 
them. The bandage should also be wetted with the lotion 
recommended for sprain of the back-sinews. The wind-gall will 
often diminish or disappear by this treatment, but will too fre- 
quently return when the horse is again hardly worked. A blis- 
ter is a more effectual, but too often temporary remedy. Wind- 
galls will return with the renewal of work. Firing is still more 
certain, if the tumors are sufficiently large and annoying to jus- 
tify our having recourse to measures so severe ; for it will not 
only effect the immediate absorption of the fluid, and the reduc- 
tion of the swelling, but, by contracting the skin, will act as a 
permanent bandage, and therefore prevent the reappearance of 
the tumor. The iodine and mercurial ointments have occasion- 
ally been used with advantage in the proportion of three parts 
of the former to two of the latter.* 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Numerous dissections of these wind-galls have 
enabled us to give a different explanation from that stated in the text. 
They appear to be of two kinds, those situated between the suspensory 
ligaments and the flexor tendons, and which are the most common, and 
those formed between the suspensory ligaments and the bone in front, in 
each case immediately above the fetlock joint. Now the former wind- 
galls consist in an extension of the investment of the sheath of the flexor 
perforans formed for it by the perforatus, and the latter a distension of the 
capsular ligaments of the joint itself. In each a synovial cavity is effected, 
and consequently the wind-gall cannot be opened without considerable dan- 
ger. They rarely occasion lameness unless attended with considerable 
inflammation or ossification of the neighboring parts, or a solidification of 
the synovia (joint oil). When this is the case the treatment advised in the 
text should be adopted. 



THE PASTERNS. 



203 



THE PASTERNS 
Fig. 37. 



kpra 




a The shank-bone. 

b The upper and larger pastern-bone. 

c The sessamoid-bone. 

d The lower or smaller pastern-bone. 

e The navicular or shuttle-bone. 

f The coffi n-bone, or bone of the foot. 

g The suspensory ligament, inserted into the sessamoid-bone. 

h A continuation of the suspensory ligament, inserted into the smaller pastern- 
bone. 

t The small inelastic ligament, tying down the sessamoid-bone to the larger 
pastern -bone. 

k A long ligament reaching from the pastern-bone to the knee. 

/ The extensor tendon inserted into both the pasterns and the coffin-bone. 
m The tendon of the performing flexor inserted into the coffin-bone, after having 
passed over the navicular bone. 

n The seat of the navicular joint lameness. 

The inner or sensible frog. 
p The cleft of the horny frog. 

q A ligament uniting the navicular bone to the smaller pastern. 

r A ligament uniting the navicular bone to the coffin-bone. 

s The sensible sole, between the coffin-bone and the horny sole. 

1 The horny sole. 

it The crust or wall of the foot. 

v The sensible laminae to which the crust is attached. 

to The coronary ring of the crust. 

x The covering of the coronary ligament from which the crust is secreted. 

z Place of bleeding at the toe. 



264 THE PASTERNS. 

At the back of the shank just below the knee, and in the space 
between the splint bones, is the suspensory ligament, admirably 
adapted to prevent concussion. It originates from the head of 
the shank-bone, and is inserted in the sessamoids. The pasterns 
(see Fig. 37) are united to the shank in an oblique direction, dif- 
fering in degree in the different breeds of horses, and in each adapt- 
ed to the purpose for which that breed was designed. The weight 
falls upon the pastern in the direction of the shank-bone, and the 
pastern being set on obliquely, a portion of that weight must ue 
communicated to the sessamoids. Much concussion is saved by 
the yielding of the pasterns, in consequence of their oblique direc- 
tion ; and the concussion which would be produced by that por- 
tion of weight which falls on the sessamoid bones is completely 
destroyed, for there is no bone underneath to receive it. They 
are suspended by this ligament — an elastic ligament, which 
gradually yields to, and is lengthened by, the force impressed 
upon it, and in this gradual yielding and lengthening, materially 
lessening, or generally preventing, all painful or dangerous con- 
cussion. 

The length and obliquity of the pastern vary in the different 
breeds of horses, and on it depends the elastic action of the animal, 
and the easiness of his paces. The pastern must be long in pro- 
portion to its obliquity, or the fetlock will be too close to the 
ground, and, in rapid action, come violently into contact with it. 
In proportion as the pastern is oblique or slanting, two conse- 
quences will follow, less weight will be thrown on the pastern, 
and more on the sessamoid, and, in that proportion, concussion 
will be prevented. 

Every advantage, however, has, to a certain extent, its corre- 
sponding disadvantage. The long, slanting pastern has less 
strength, and will be more subject to strains. 

The long and slanting pastern is advantageous in the race- 
horse, from the springiness of action and greater extent of stride 
by which it is accompanied. A less degree of it is given in the 
nunter who is to unite continuance of exertion with ease of pace. 
For the hackney there should be sufficient obliquity to give pleas- 
antness of going, but not enough to endanger continuance and 
strength. In the cart-horse the pasterns are short and upright 
Except a horse for general purposes, and particularly for riding, 
is very hardly used, a little too much obliquity is a far less evi] 
than a pastern too upright. While the jolting of the upright pas- 
tern is an insufferable nuisance to the rider, it is injurious and 
most unsafe to the horse, and produces many diseases in the feet 
and legs, and particularly ringbone, ossification of the cartilages 
and contracted feet. 



SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT FETLOCK GROGGINESS. 265 



INJURIES TO THE SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT. 

The suspensory ligament is sometimes strained and even rup- 
tured by extraordinary exertion. The sessamoids, which in their 
natural state are suspended by it, and from which function its 
name is derived, are in the latter case let down, and the fetlock 
almost touches the ground. This is generally mistaken for rup- 
ture of the flexor tendon ; but one circumstance will sufficiently 
demonstrate that it is the suspensory ligament which is concerned, 
viz..: that the horse is able to bend his foot. Rupture of this lig 
ament is a bad, and almost desperate case. The horse is frequently 
lame for life, and never becomes perfectly sound. Keeping him 
altogether quiet, bandaging the leg, and putting on a high-heeled 
shoe, will afford the most probable means of relief. 

The common injury to this ligament is sprain, indicated by 
lameness, and swelling, and heat, more or less severe in propor- 
tion as the neighboring parts are involved. This will sometimes 
yield to rest and cooling treatment ; but if the ca^e is obstinate, 
t will be necessary to have recourse to firing. 

THE FETLOCK. 

The fetlock-joint is a very complicated one, and finm the stress 
which is laid on it, and its being the principal seat of motion be- 
Ioav the knee, it is particularly subject to injury. There are not 
many cases of sprain of the back-sinew that are not accompanied 
by inflammation of the ligaments of this joint ; and numerous 
supposed cases of sprain higher up are simple affection? of the fet- 
lock. It requires a great deal of care, and some experience, to 
distinguish the one from the other. The heat about the part, and 
the point at which the horse least endures the pressure of the 
finger, will be the principal guides. Occasionally, by the appli- 
cation of cooling lotions, the inflammation may be subdued, but, 
at other times, the horse suffers dreadfully, and is unable to stand 
A. serious affection of the fetlock-joint demands treatment more 
prompt and severe than that of the sheaths of the tendons. 

GROGGINESS. 

The peculiar knuckling of the fetlock-joint, and the tottering of 
the whole of the fore-leg, known by the name of grogginess, and 
which is so often seen in old and over-worked horses, is seldom an 
affection of either the fetlock or the pastern-joints simply. In 
deed it is difficult to fix on any particular joint, unless it is that 
which is deep in the foot, and where the flexor tendon runs over 

L 



266 CUTTING THE PASTERNS. 

the navicular bone. It seems oftenest to be a want of power in 
the ligaments of the joints generally, produced by frequent and 
severe sprains, or by ill-judged and cruel exertion. Professor 
Stewart very truly says, that "it is common among all kinds of 
fast workers, and long journeys at a fast pace will make almost 
any horse groggy. Bad shoeing and want of stable care may 
help to increase, but never can alone produce grogginess. It is 
one of the evils of excessive work." In the majority of cases it 
admits of no remedy.* 

CUTTING. 

The .inside of the fetlock is often bruised by the shoe or the hoof 
of the opposite foot. Many expedients used to be tried to remove 
this ; the inside heel has been raised and lowered, and the out- 
side raised and lowered ; and sometimes one operation has suc- 
ceeded, and sometimes the contrary ; and there was no point so 
involved in obscurity, or so destitute of principles to guide the 
practitioner. The most successful remedy, and that which in the 
great majority of cases supersedes all others, is Mr. Turner's shoe, 
of equal thickness from heel to toe, and having but one nail, and 
that near the toe on the inside of the shoe ; care being taken that 
the shoe shall not extend beyond the edge of the crust, and that 
the crust shall be rasped a little at the quarters. 

There are some defects, however, in the natural form of the 
horse, which are the causes of cutting, and which no contrivance 
will remedy ; as when the legs are placed too near to each other, 
or when the feet are turned inward or outward. A horse with 
these defects should be carefully examined at the inside of the fet- 
lock, and if there are any sore or callous places from cutting, 
there will be sufficient reason for rejecting the animal. Some 
horses will cut only when they are fatigued or lame, and old ; 
many colts will cut before they arrive at their full strength.! 

THE PASTERNS. 

A consideration of the pasterns will throw more light upon thi3 
and other diseases of the extremities. 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — The term grogginess is applied by horsemen to 
Blight lameness, which goes off with exercise, and which is shown in the sta- 
ble by the animal pointing the affected foot. The seat of the disease is the 
navicular joint, and it is altogether unconnected with that knuckling of the 
fetlock which is often seen in horses much worked, and which appears to be 
owing to weakness of the sinews, principally of the extensors. 

\ Note by Mr. Spooner. — This evil is sometimes removed by shoeing the 
horse very thin on the inside, or even giving him a three-quarter shoe, the 
tendency of which plan is to make the horse carry his feet wider apart ; but, 
in some cases the very opposite plan is found the best 



THE TASTERNS. 



267 



The upper pastern bone (b, Fig. 37, and a, in Fig, 38, and 6, 
in Fig. 39,) receives the lower pulley-like head of the shank-hone, 
and forms a hinge-joint admitting only of bending and extension, 
but not of side motion ; it likewise forms a joint with the sess it- 
moid-bones. Its lower head has two rounded protuberances, 
which are received into corresponding depressions in the lower 
pastern. On either side, above the pastern-joint, are roughened 
projections for the attachment of very strong ligaments, both in 
capsular ligaments, and many cross ligaments, which render the 
joint between the two pasterns sufficiently secure. 
Fig. 38. Fig. 39. 

Fig. 38. 
a The upper pastern. 
b The lower pastern. 
c The navicular bone. 
d The coffin-bone. 



Fig. 39. 
a The sessamoid-bone. 
b The upper pastern. 
c The lower pastern. 
d The navicular bone, 
e The coffin-bone, with the horny lamina?. 



The loiver pastern (d, Fig. 37, and b, in the first figure, and c, 
iu the second in this cut,) is a short and thick bone, with its larger 
head downward. Its upper head has two depressions to receive th e 
Fig. 40. protuberances on the lower head of the upper 

bone, bearing some resemblance to a pully, 
but not so decidedly as the lower head of the 
shank-bone. Its lower head resembles that 
of the other pastern, and has also two prom- 
inences, somewhat resembling a pulley, by 
which it forms a joint with the coffiin-bone , 
and a depression in front, corresponding with 
a projection in the coffin-bone. There are 
also two slight depressions behind, receiving 
eminences of the navicular bone. Neither 
of these joints admits of any lateral motion. 
The ligaments of this joint, both the capsu- 
lar and the cross ones, are, like those of the 
pastern-joint, exceedingly strong. The ten- 
don of the extensor muscle is inserted into 





26S STRAIN OF THE COFFIN-JOINT RrNGBONE. 

the fore-part, both of the upper and lower pastern- bonet, a* 
well as into the upper part of the coffin-bone (/, Fig. u7), 
and at the back of these bones the suspensory ligament i& 
expanded and inserted, while a portion of it goes over the fore- 
part of the upper pastern to reach the extensor tendon. These 
attachments in front of the bones kre seen in Fig. 40, in which a 
represents the lower part of the shank-bone ; b the sessamoid- 
bones ; c the upper pastern ; d the lower pastern ; and e the 
coffin-bone ; f are the branches of the suspensory ligaments going 
to unite with the extensor tendon ; g the long extensor tendon ; k 
Lgaments connecting the two pastern-bones together ; and i the 
lateral cartilages of the loot. 

SPRAIN OF THE COFFIN-JOINT. 

The proof of this is when the lameness is sudden, and the heat 
and tenderness are principally felt round the coronet. Bleeding 
at the toe, physic, fomentation, and blisters are the usual means 
adopted. This lameness is not easily removed, even by a blister ; 
and if removed, like sprains of the fetlock and of the back sinews, 
it is apt to return, and finally produce a great deal of disorgani- 
zation and mischief in the foot. Sprain of the comn-jointsome- 
times becomes a very serious affair. Not being always attended 
by any external swelling, and being detected only by heat round 
the coronet, the seat of the lameness is often overlooked by the 
groom and the farrier ; and the disease is suffered to become con- 
firmed before its nature is discovered. 

From violent or repeated sprains of the pastern or coffin-joints, 
or extension of the ligaments attached to other parts of the 
pastern-bones, inflammation takes place in the periosteum, and 
bony matter is formed, which often rapidly increases, and is re- 
cognized by the name of* 

RINGBONE. 

Ringbone is is a deposit of bony matter in one of the pasterns, 
and usually near the joint. It rapidly spreads, and involves not 
only the pastern-bones, but the cartilages of the foot, and spread- 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Sprain of the coffin-joint i* extremely rare, the 
joint being so well secured from injury by the horny box in which it is 
cased. Its ligaments are, however, occasionally strained, which may be 
detected by heat at the coronet and tenderness, when the joint is wrenched 
laterally. When these symptoms are absent, we may safely conclude the 
disease exists elsewhere. It is not this, but the navicular disease, which is 
often mistaken for shoulder lameness. This disease, when it does occur 
often occasions ossifications of, and near, the side cartilages of the foot. 



RINGBONE. 



20':' 



ing around the pasterns and cartilages, 
thus derives its name. When the first 
deposit is on the lower pastern, and on 
both sides of it, and produced by violent 
inflammation of the ligaments of the 
joints, it is recognized by a slight en- 
largement, or bony tumor on each side 
of the foot, and just above the coronet, 
(See f, Fig. 41.) Horses with short 
upright joints, and with small feet and 
high action, are oftenest, as may be sup- 
posed, the subjects of this disease, which 
is the consequence either of concussion 
or sprain of the pastern-joints. It is 
also more frequent in the hind foot than, 
the fore, because, from the violent action 
of the hind legs in propelling the horse 
forward, the pasterns are more subject 
to legamentary injury behind than be- 
fore : yet the lameness is not so great 
there, because the disease is confined 
principally to the ligaments, and the 
bones have not been injured by con- 
cussion ; while from the position of the 
fore limbs, there will generally be in 
them injury of the bones to be added 
to that of the ligaments. In its early 
stage, and when recognized only by a 
bony enlargement on both sides of the 
pastern-joint, or in some few cases on 
one side only, the lameness is not very 
considerable, and it is not impossible to 
remove the disease by active blistering, 
or by the application of the cautery ; 
but there is so much wear and tear in 
this part of the animal, that the inflam- 
mation and the disposition to the for- 
mation of bone rapidly spread. The 
pasterns first become connected together 
by bone instead of ligament, and thence 
results what is called an anchylosed 
or fixed joint. From this joint the dis- 
ease proceeds to the cartilages of the foot, 
and to the union between the lower pas- 
tern, and the coffin and navicular bones. 
The motion o\ % these parts likewise is 



Fi<?. 41. 




270 RINGBONE. 

impeded or lost, and the whole of the foot becomes one mass 
of spongy bone. From a disposition to spread, and at first around 
the pastern-joint, which is situated just above the coronet, the 
disease has acquired the name of ringbone.* 

We have introduced a bird's-eye view of some of the principal 
lamenesses to which the fore extremities of the horse are sub- 
ject. 

At a is a representation of the capped hock, 01 enlargement of 
the joint of the elbow. 

I) is the tying-in of the leg below the knee. 

c is the most frequent situation of splint on the side of 
the shank-bone, and not producing lameness after its first forma- 
tion, because it does not interfere wtih the motion of the knee, 
nor injure the supensory ligament. 

d is the situation and appearance of the enlargement accom- 
panying sprain of the -back sinews. This, however, is an 
aggravated case ; and the sprain may be great, and the lame- 
ness distressing, without all this swelling. 

e is the place of wind-gall. 

f gives the appearance of ringbone when it first appears on 
the side of the pastern, about the joint, and where there is 
naturally some prominence of bone. 

g is the situation of sand-crack in the fore-leg. 

h the situation of mallenders. 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — This disease, so termed because it constituted 
bony growth round the pastern-bones, is of two kinds, which are distin- 
guished by horsemen as true and false ringbones. The former occurs at 
the pastern joint, and generally arises from strain of these ligaments; but 
the latter consists in ossification of the cartilages of *^e sides of the foot, 
which become enlarged, as well as converted into Done. This is less fre- 
quently the consequence of strains than the other disease, and it is ofteiter 
found with heavy cart-horses than with lighter horses. Indeed, with many 
horses there seems a predispositin to change their cartilaginous strueure 
into bone. The exciting cause of these false ringbones is concussion, pro- 
duced by the weight of the animal and the hardness of the road or pave- 
ment. Thus, on the London stones the disease is very common ; fur the 
same reason, it is the fore limbs where the disease occurs, in nine cases out 
of ten. Indeed, we have found that all ringbones are more common in the 
fore feet than in the hind ones. 

The best treatment for ringbones of either kind is, after the inflammation 
lias been in great measure removed by cooling applications, to fire the part, 
or otherwise well rub in the iodide of mercury ointment, washing off the 
effects on the following day, and thus repeating it again and again. We 
have by such means succeeded in removing the lameness, diminishing the 
enlargement, and restoring the animal, in many cases, to a state of useful- 
ness. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



THE HIND LEGS. 



THE HAUNCH. 

The haunch (see 0, p. Fig. 1, and Fig. 33,) is composed of 
three bones. The first is the ilium, principally concerned in the 
formation of the haunch. Its extended branches behind the 
flanks are prominent in every horse. When they are more than 
usually wide, the animal is said to be ragged-kipped. A branch 
runs up to the spine at the commencement of the sacral vertebrae 
(E), and here the haunch-bones are firmly united with the 
bones of the spine. The ischium, or hip-bone, is behind and 
below the ilium. Its tuberosities or prominences are seen under 
the tail (Fig. 1). The pubis unites with the two former below 
and behind. 

From the loins to the setting-on of the tail a line should be 
carried on almost straight, or rounded only in a slight degree. 
Thus the haunch-bones will be most oblique, and will produce a 
corresponding obliquity, or slanting direction, in the thigh-bone — a 
direction in which, as stated when the fore legs were described, 
the muscles act with most advantage. This direction of the 
haunch is characteristic of the thorough-bred horse ; and by the 
degree in which it is found, we judge to a considerable extent of 
the breeding of the animal. If the bones at D and E, (Fig. 1,) 
take a somewhat arched form, as they do in the cart-horse, it is 
evident that the haunch-bone would be more upright. The 
thigh-bone P would likewise be so. The stifle Q, would not be 
so far under the body, and the power of the horse would be con- 
siderably impaired. The oblique direction of the haunch and 
thigh-bones, produced by the stiaightness of the line of the spine, 
does not, as is commonly supposed, afford increased surface for 
the attachment of muscles, but places the muscles in a direction 
to act with great advantage. It is in the advantageous direction, 
quite as much as in the bulk of the muscle, that the strength of 
the horse consists. 



£72 THE THIGH. 

Width of haunch is a point of great consequence, for it evi 
dently affords more room for the attachment of muscles ; and 
even th mgh it should be so wide as to subject the horse to the 
charge of being ragged-hipped, and may somewhat offend the 
eye, it will not often be any detriment to action. If the loins 
are broad and the horse well ribbed home, the protuberances of 
the hip-bones can scarcely be too far apart. Many a ragged- 
hipped horse has possessed both fleetness and strength, while but 
few that were narrow across the haunch could boast of the latter 
quality. 

The only portion of these bones exposed to injury or fracture 
are the prominences of the haunch. A fall or blow may chip off 
or disunite a portion of them, and, if so, there are no means of 
(brcibly bringing the disunited parts together again, and retain- 
ing them in their natural position. The power of nature, how- 
ever, will gradually unite them, but that union will be at- 
tended by deformity and lameness. A charge, or very strong 
adhesive plaster, across the haunch may be useful, as helping, in 
some slight degree, to support the parts, and hold them together. 
[See "charge" in list of medicines.] 

THE THIGH. 

In the lower and fore part of the hip-bones is a deep cavity or 
cup to receive the head of the thigh-bone. The thigh-bone is 
both the largest and strongest in the frame. Its lower extremity is 
complicated in its form. It consists of two prominences, which are 
received into corresponding depressions in the next bone, and a 
hollow in front, in which the bone of the knee or stifle plays as 
over a perfect pully. 

The muscles of the hinder extremity are more powerful than those 
in any other part of the frame, and they are covered by a strong 
tendinous coat or membrane, intended to confine them in their 
places. Another, thicker and firmer, lies below, and is intended 
to tighten and strengthen the first. It is represented at a in 
Fig. 42, raised and turned back. For practical purposes, and 
therefore for the purposes of this abridgment, the names of the 
muscles of the hinder parts — to identify the localities of injuries 
and diseases — is all that is necessary, and is all therefore that will 
be given. 



MUSCLES OF THE THIGH. 



273 



0IJ1 OP THE MUSCLES, ETC., OF THE INSIDE OF THE THIGH 

a 




a Inner tendinous coat raised and turned back. 
b The rectus, or straight muscle. 
c The vastus, or great muscle. 
d The sartorius, or tailor's muscle. 
e The gracilis muscle. 
f The pectineus muscle. 

h The extensor pedis, or extendor of the foot. 
i The flexor metatarsi, or bender of the leg. 
k The poplilreus muscle. 
/ The peronaeus muscle. 
r,} A. portion of j in the next cut. 
n Inside view of the flexor, or perforatus of the foot. 
o The flexor perforatus, or perforating flexor of the foot. 
p The course of the principal artery. 
q Iilood-vessels belonging to the groin. 
r Tlie large cutaneous vein. 

* The principal nerves on the posterior part of the inside of the thigh 
i Principal nerves of the fore part of the inside of the thigh. 
ti The ligamentous bands confining the tendons at the bending of the hoot 
18 



274 



MUSCLES OF THE THIGH. 



We now turn to some of the muscles, &c., that are evident to 
the eye on the outside of the thigh. 



CUT OF THE MUSCLES, ETC., OF THE OUTSIDE OF THE THIGH. 

Fig. 43. 




c The great glutaeus muscle. 

6 Biceps femoris, or two-headed muscle. 

/ Is a continuation of the membrane seen at a, in the preceding cut. 

i Gluteus externus. 

j A powerful muscle to extend the hock. 

k A slender muscle arising from the head of the fibula, its tendon uniting with 

that of the perforating muscle. 
m The peronaeus muscle. 
n Extensor pedis, or extendor of the foot. 
o Flexor pedis, of bender of the foot. 
p Gives the course of the anterior arteries. 
q Gives the course of the principal nerves. 



STIFLE. 275 

The Os Femoris, or Thigh Bone (see P, Fig. 1), is long and 
cylindrical, taking an oblique direction from above, downwards, 
and from behind, forwards. At its upper extremities, and pro- 
jecting from the body, is a thick flattened neck, terminating in a 
large smooth hemispherical head, adapted to a hollow, in the su- 
perior point of the haunch. 

This bone is commonly called the Round Bone. It has, in 
some rare instances, been dislocated and fractured. It is much 
oltener sprained, but not so frequently as the groom or farrier 
imagines. There is nothing peculiar in the lameness to detect 
injury of this part, except, that the horse will drag his leg aftei 
him. Injury of the round bone will be principally discovered by 
heat and tenderness in the situation of the : oint. 

A part so deeply situated is treated with Ufficnlty. Fomen- 
tions should at first be used to abate the inflammation, and, aitei 
that, an active blister should be applied. Strams of this joint 
are not always immediately relieved, and the muscles of the limb 
in some cases waste considerably : it therefore may be necessary 
to repeat the blister, while absolute rest should accompany every 
stage of the treatment. It may even be requisite to fire the part, 
— or, as a last resort, a charge may be placed over the joint, and 
the horse turned out for two or three months.* 



THE STIFLE. 

The stifle joint and the patella (answering to the knee-pan in 
the human subject) are seen at p. 45, Fig. 1. 

The stifle joint is not often subject to sprain. The heat and 
tenderness will guide to the seat of injury. Occasionally, disloca- 
tion of the patella has occurred, and the horse drags the injured 
limb after him, or rests it on the fetlock ; the aid of a veteri- 
nary surgeon is here requisite. The muscles of the inside of 
the thigh have sometimes been sprained. This may be detected 
by diffused heat, or heat on the inside of the thigh above the stifle. 



* Note by Mr. Spooner. — This disease is so extremely rare that we have 
seldom met with an instance. The joint is so strong, so firmly secured, and 
so well protected, that it is almost impossible to become injured without 
dislocation occurring. Unless we can detect heat or tenderness about the 
part, we are by no means justified in supposing that the round bone is the 
seat of injury. For, although it used to be the case that all obscure lame- 
nesses in the hind extremity were referred to some supposed disease iu this 
joint, we are now well assured by post mortem examinations that in these ob- 
scure lamenesses the seat of disease is the hock joint. 

When the neighborhood of the hip joint is injured, there is external tender- 
ness, evinced on pressure, and the mischief is produced by external causes 



276 



HIND LEGS. 



CUT OF THE HAUNCH AND HIND LEGS. 

Fig. 44. 



Rest, fomentations, bleeding, and physic, will be the proper means 
of cure.* 

The lower bone of the 
thigh is double. The larger 
portion, in front, extending 
from the stifle to the hock, 
is called the Tibia. The 
smaller bone, or fibula, be- 
hind (see R, Fig. 1), reaches 
not more than a third of the 
way down. It is united to 
the shank-bone, like the 
splint-bone, by a cartilagin- 
ous substance, which is soon 
changed into a bony one. Of 
the use of these little bones 
we cannot speak. 

The lower bone of the 
thigh forms an angle with 
the upper one, being the re- 
verse of that which exists 
between the upper bone and 
the pelvis. In proportion to 
the acuteness of the angle 
between these two bones, and 
the degree consequently in 
which the stifle is brought 
under the horse, will be the 
direction given to the mus 
cles favorable to their power- 
ful action. [But, to prevent 
any misapprehension as to 
the external form of the parts 
which indicates what is here 
laid down as the proper di- 
rections of these bones, see 
the remarks on the Haunch 
in the beginning of this 
chapter. — Am. Ed.] 

There is much difference 
in this in different horses, 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — This joint and its connections ave much more 
frequently the seat of disease than the joint above. From its situation, it is 
rather exposed to blows from the horse running through a narrow gateway, 
and thus striking his stifle against the post. Swelling, and heat.and ten- 
derness, will point out the injured part, in addition to which the horse will 




DISEASES OF THE HOCK. 277 

-nd the construction of this part of the frame is a matter worthy 
of more regard than is generally paid to it. 

This part of the thigh should likewise be long. In proportion 
to the length of the muscle is the degree of contraction of which 
it is capable ; and also in proportion to the contraction of the 
muscle is the extent of motion in the limb ; but it is still more 
necessary that this part of the thigh should have considerable 
muscle, in order that strength may be added to such extent 01 
compass of motion. Much endurance would not be expected from 
a horse with a thin arm. A horse with thin and lanky thighs 
will not possess the strength which considerable exertion would 
sometimes require. 

THOROUGH-PIN. 

Mention has been made of ivind-galh and their treatment. 
A similar enlargement is found above the hock, between the ten- 
dons of the flexor of the foot and the extensor of the hock. As 
from its situation it must necessarily project on both sides of the 
hock, in the form of a round swelling, it is called a thoi'ough- 
fin, a Fig. 44. It is an indication of considerable work, but is 
rarely attended by lameness. The mode of treatment must re- 
semble that for wind-galls. Although thorough-pin cannot, p*er- 
haps, be pronounced to be -unsoundness, it behoves the buyer to 
examine well a horse that is disfigured by it, and to ascertain 
whether undue work may not have injured him in other respects.* 

THE HOCK. 

This is a most important joint, occasionally the evident, and 
much oftener the unsuspected seat of lameness, and the proper 

btep very short with the affected limb, being unable to extend it. The lat- 
ter symptom will be also present when the ligaments of this joint have been 
strained, which, though very unfrequent, is yet occasionally the case. 

The treatment in these cases consists in applying fomentations and cooling 
applications to the part affected, until the inflammation is subdued; which, 
if severe, may be further assisted by bleeding from the vein inside the thigh, 
and so relieving the vessels in the neighborhood of the joint. When the in 
flammation is subdued, a blister on the joint will be desirable in cases or 
strains, but will rarely be required when a blow is the cause of injury. 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — The usual seat of thorough-pins is below, and 
in advance of the point of the hock, and it consists of distension of the cap- 
sular ligament at this part, and often a giving way or rupture of its connec- 
tions. It precisely resembles bog-spavin, which occurs at the lower and 
front part of the same joint. These affections may occur independently, but 
more frequently are found together. Though seldom productive of lame- 
ness, a weakness and stiffness of the part is often the consequence. The 
best treatment is either the application of the firing-iron, or the repeated 
rubbing in of the ointment of oidine and mercury. A seton over the part 
ha9 been found useful. 



273 



THE HOCK. 



!?nrTp ati0 ?/ f WhIch 1S essentia % connected with the value of the 
horse. It answers to the ancle in the human being. 

Fig.. 45. 




«. The fibia. 

b. The astragalus. 

c. Os calchis, or bone of the heel. 
Os euboides, or cube-formed bone 

e. The larger cuneifom, or wedge-spaped bone. 

J. I he two smaller wedge-shaped bones. 

f- Hie shank-bone. 

■i. Tiie splint-bones. 



ENLARGEMENT OF THE HOCK. 270 

These bones are all connected together by very strong liga- 
ments which prevent dislocation, but allow a slight degree of mo- 
tion between them, and the surfaces which are opposed to each 
other are thickly covered by elastic cartilage. 

Much more depends, than they who are not well accustomed 
to horses imagine, on the length of the os calcis or projection of 
the hock. In proportion to the length of this bone will two pur- 
poses be effected. The line of direction will be more advantage- 
ous, for it will be nearer to a perpendicular, and the arm of the 
lever to which the power is applied will be lengthened, and thus 
mechanical advantage will be gained to an almost incredible ex- 
tent. The slightest lengthening of the point of the hock will 
wonderfully tell in the course of a day's work, and therefore it is 
that the character of the os calcis is of such immense importance. 

The line of direction of the legs beneath the hocks should not 
be disregarded. The leg should descend perpendicularly to the 
fetlock. The weight and stress will thus be equally diffused, not 
only over the whole of the hock, but also the pasterns and the 
toot. Some horses have their hocks closer than usual to each 
other. The legs take a divergent direction outward, and the toes 
also are turned outward. These horses are said to be cat- or 
cow-hocked. They are generally supposed to possess considera- 
ble speed. But this advantage is more than counterbalanced by 
many evils. The increased contraction of the muscles is an ex- 
penditure of arnmal power ; and, as already stated, the weight 
and the concussion being so unequally distributed by this forma- 
tion of the limbs, some part must be over-strained and over- work- 
ed, and injury must ensue. On this account it is that the cow- 
hocked horse is more subject than others to thorough-pin and spa- 
vin ; and is so disposed to curbs, that these hocks are denominated 
by horsemen curby hocks. The mischief extends even farther 
than this. Such a horse is peculiarly liable to wind-gall, sprain 
of the fetlock, cutting, and knuckling. 

A slight inclination to this form in a strong powerful horse 
may not be very objectionable, but a horse decidedly cow-hocked 
should never be selected. 



ENLARGEMENT OF THE HOCK. 

First, there is inflammation, or sprain of the hock-joint gene- 
rally, arising from sudden violent concussion, by some check at 
speed, or overweight, and attended with enlargement of the whole 
joint, and great tenderness and lameness. This, however, like 
other diffused inflammations, is not so untractable as an intense 
one of a more circumscribed nature, and by rest and fomentation, 



280 CURB. 

or, perchance, firing, the limb recovers its action, and the horse 
becomes fit for ordinary work. 

The swelling, however, does not always subside. Enlarge- 
ment, spread over the whole of the hock-joint, remains. A horse 
with an enlarged hock must always be regarded with suspicion. 
In truth, he is unsound. The parts-, altered in structure, must 
be, to a certain degree, weakened. The animal may discharge 
hi§ usual work during a long period, without return of lameness ; 
but if one of those emergencies should occur when all his ener- 
gies require to be exerted, the disorganised and weakened part 
will fail. 

CURB. 

There are often injuries of particular parts of the hock-joint. 
Curb is an affection of this kind. It is an enlargement at the 
back of the hock, three or four inches below its point. It is rep- 
resented at d, Fig. 44, and is either a strain of the ring-like liga- 
ment which binds the tendons in their place, or of the sheath of 
the tendons ; oftener, however, of the ligament than of the 
sheath. Any sudden action of the limb of more than usual vio- 
lence may produce it, and therefore horses are found to ' throw 
out curbs' after a hardly-contested race, an extraordinary leap, 
a severe gallop over heavy ground, or a sudden check in the gal- 
lop. Young horses are particularly liable to it, and horses that 
are cow-hocked (vide Fig. 44), — whose hocks and legs resemble 
those of the cow, the hocks being turned inward, and the legs 
forming a considerable angle outwards. This is intelligible 
enough ; for in hocks so formed, the annular ligament must be 
continually on the stretch, in order to confine the tendon. 

Curbs are generally accompanied by considerable lameness at 
their first appearance, but the swelling is not always great. 
They are best detected by observing the leg sideway. 

The first object in attempting the cure is to abate inflamma- 
tion, and this will be most readily accomplished by cold evapo- 
rating lotions frequantly applied to the part. Equal portions of 
spirit of wine, water, and vinegar, will afford an excellent appli- 
cation. It will be almost impossible to keep a bandage on. If 
the heat and lameness are considerable, it will be prudent to give 
a dose of physic, and to bleed from the subcutaneous vein, whose 
course is represented at r, Fig. 42 ; and whether the injury is of 
the annular ligament, or the sheath of the tendon, more active 
means will be necessary to perfect the cure. Either a liquid 
blister should be rubbed on the part, consisting of a vinous or 
turpentine tincture of cantharides, and this daily applied until 
some considerable swelling takes place ; or, what is tln j prefer 



BOG SPAVIN. 281 

able plan, the hair should be cut off, and the part blistered as 
soon as the heat has been subdued. The blister should be re- 
peated until the swelling has disappeared, and the horse goes 
sound. In severe cases it may be necessary to fire ; but a lair 
trial, however, should be given to milder measures. If the iro» 
is used, it should be applied in straight lines. 

There are few lamenesses in which the absolute and long-con- 
tinued rest is more requisite. It leaves the parts materially weak- 
ened, and, if the horse is soon put to work again, the lameness 
will frequently return. No horse that has had curbs, should be 
put even to ordinary work in less than a month after the appa- 
rent cure ; and, even then, he should very gradually resume his 
former habits. 

A horse with a curb is manifestly unsound. A horse with the 
vestige of curb, should be regarded with much suspicion, or gene- 
rally condemned as unsound. 

Curb is also an hereditary complaint, and therefore a horse 
that has once suffered from it should always be regarded with 
suspicion, especially if either of the parents has exhibited it.* 

BOG SPAVIN. 

The hock is plentifully supplied with reservoirs of mucus, to 
lubricate (make slippery) the different portions of this compli- 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — The seat of this injury is usually the flexor 
tendon of the leg, as it passes through a sheath at the back of the hock. It 
therefore resembles a strain of the back sinews, as they are commonly 
called, although the injury is seldom so severe or so difficult to be cured. 
There are many degrees as to the amount and extent of the injury and 
the corresponding lameness. It is by far the best plan to take a horse out 
of work immediately on his showing lameness, as by- that means the cure can 
be more expeditiously and perfectly effected ; and there is much less en- 
largement left afterwards than when a horse is patched up by the applica- 
cation of stimulants, and worked on, thereby renewing the strain again and 
again. After the inflammation has been quite subdued by the means pointed 
out in the text, we have found that the firing-iron effects the most perfect 
cure, and secures the animal, in nine cases out of ten, from a return of the 
lameness. The marks of the iron, in cases of curbs, need not be great, 
and never operate to the animal's disadvantage. We have always found 
that a horse which ha? been fired for a curb, will realize as much, or more, 
than another which has thrown out a curb, but has not been fired for it 
We have also frequently found that a horse fired for a curb has remained 
sound, while in the course of a twelvemonth he has thrown out a curb on 
the other hock, even though he had been fired with a view of preventing it, 
showing that, though firing may act as a cure, it does not act as a pre- 
ventative. 

In the examination of horses for soundness, we have not hesitated to 
pass a horse with a curb, requiring, however, a special warranty that 
should the curb cause lameness within a reasonable time, the seller shall 
be responsible. 



282 BOG SPAVIN. 

cated joint. Some of these are found on the inside of the joint, 
which could not be represented in Fig. 45. From over exertion 
of the joint, they become inflamed, and considerably enlarged. 
They are wind-galls of the hock. The subcutaneous vein passes 
over the inside of the hock, and over some of these enlarged 
mucous reservoirs, and is compressed between them and the 
external integument — the course of the blood is partially ar 
rested, and a portion of the vein below the impediment, an</ 
between it and the next valve, is distended, and causes the sofl 
tumor on the inside of the hock, called Bog or Blood spavin. 

This is a very serious disease, attended with no great, but 
often permanent lameness, and too apt to return when the en- 
largement has subsided under medical treatment. It must be 
considered as decided unsoundness. In a horse for slow draught, 
it is scarcely worth while even to attack it. And in one des- 
tined to more rapid action, the probability of a relapse should 
not be forgotten, when the chances of success and the expenses 
of treatment are calculated. 

The cause of the disease — the enlarged mucous sack or cap- 
sule — lies deep, and is with difficulty operated upon. Uniform 
pressure would sometimes cause the absorption of the fluid con- 
tained in cysts or bags like these, but in a joint of such exten 
sive motion as the hock, it is difficult, or almost impossible, to 
confine the pressure on the precise spot at which it is required. 
Could it be made to bear on the enlarged bag, it would likewise 
press on the vein, and to a greater degree hinder the passage of 
the blood, and increase the swelling below the obstruction. The 
old and absurd method of passing a ligature above and below 
the enlarged portion of the vein, and then dissecting out the 
tumor, is not, in the advanced stage of veterinary science, prac- 
tised by any surgeon who regards his reputation. The only 
method of relief which holds out any promise even of temporary 
success, is exciting considerable inflammation on the skin, and 
thus rousing the deeper-seated absorbents to carry away the 
fluid effused in the enlarged bag. For this purpose, blisters or 
firing may be tried : but in the majority of cases, the disease 
will bid defiance to all appliances, or will return and baffle our 
hopes when we had seemed to be accomplishing our object. 

A horse with bog spavin will do for ordinary work. He may 
draw in a cart, or trot fairly in a lighter carriage, with little detri- 
ment to his utility ; but he will never do for hard or rapid work. * 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Our observations under the head of thorough- 
pins equally apply here ; only that bog spavins are generally more serious, 
the capsular ligament having a larger amount of surface at the lower part 
of the hock than at the upper It must not be forgotten that it is the joint 
itself that is affected, and not the parts exterior to it. 



BONE SPAVIN. 283 



BONE SPAVIN. 

A still more formidable disease ranks under the name of 
Spavin, and is an affection of the bones of the hock-joint. It 
.has been stated that the bones of the leg, the shank-bone, g, 
Fig. 45, and the two small splint-bones behind, h, support thelowei 
layer of the bones of the hock. The cube-bone, d, rests prin- 
cipally on the shank-bone, and in a slight degree on the oulei 
splint-bone. The middle wedge-bone,/, rests entirely upon the 
shank-bone, and the smaller wedge-bone presses (not seen in 
the cut) in a very slight degree on the shank-bone, but princi- 
pally, or almost entirely, on the inner splint-bone. Then the 
splint-bones sustain a very unequal degree of concussion and 
weight. Not only is the inner one placed more under the body, 
and nearer the centre of gravity, but it has almost the whole of 
the weight and concussion communicated to the smaller cunei- 
form bone carried on it. It is not therefore to be wondered at 
that the inner splint-bone, or its ligaments, or the substance 
which connects it with the shank-bone should receive injury, 
particularly in young horses, before the limbs have become 
properly knit. The smith frequently greatly increases this ten- 
dency, by raising the outer heel higher than the inner one, to 
prevent cutting (interfering). 

The weight and concussion being thrown principally on the 
inner splint-bone, produce inflammation of the cartilaginous 
substance that unites it to the shank-bone. In consequence of 
it, the cartilage is absorbed, and bone deposited ; the union be- 
tween the splint-bone and the shank becomes bony, instead of 
cartilaginous ; the degree of elastic action between them is 
destroyed, and there is formed a splint of the hind leg. As in 
the fore leg, the disposition to form bony matter having com- 
menced, and the cause which produced it continuing to act, 
bone continues to be deposited, and it generally appears in the 
form of a tumor, where the head of the splint-bone is united 
with the shank, and in front of that union. It is seen at c, 
Fio-. 44. This is called bone spavin. Inflammation of the 
iigaments of any of the small bones of the hock, proceeding to 
bony tumor, would equally class under the name of spavin ; but, 
commonly, the disease commences on the precise spot that has 
been described. 

While spavin is forming, there is always lameness, and that 
frequently to a very great degree : but when the membrane of 
the bone has accommodated itself to the tumor that extended it, 
the lameness subsides or disappears, or depends upon the degree 
in which the bony deposit interferes with the motion of the 



284 BONE SPAVIN. 

joint. It is well known to horsemen, that many a hunter, with 
spavin that would cause his rejection by a veterinary surgeon, 
stands his work without lameness. Horses with exceedingly 
_arge spavins, are often seen that are only slightly lame, or 
that merely have a stiffness in their gait at first starting, but 
which gradually goes off after a little motion ; while others, 
with the bony tumor comparatively small, have the lameness 
so great as to destroy the usefulness of the horse. There is 
always this peculiarity in the lameness of spavin, that it abates, 
and sometimes disappears, on exercise ; and, therefore, a horse, 
with regard to which there is any suspicion of this affection, 
should be examined when first in the morning it is taken from 
the stable. 

If the spavin continues to increase, the bony deposit first 
spreads over the lower wedge-bones, then the larger wedge- 
bones, and even to the cuboid bones on the other side, [see 
Fig. 45.] Up to this point, it may not produce much lameness, 
because there is very little motion in these parts of the joint. 
But when it extends to the union of the tibia and astragalus, 
in which is the chief motion of the hock, the lameness becomes 
severe, and the horse becomes nearly or quite useless. 

Spavined horses are generally capable of slow work and often 
improve on the farm. For fast work, and for work that must 
be regularly performed, spavined horses are not well calculated ; 
for this lameness behind produces great difficulty in rising, and 
the consciousness that he will not be able to rise without painful 
effort occasionally prevents the horse from lying down at all ; 
and the animal that cannot rest well cannot long travel far or 
fast. 

The treatment of spavin is simple enough, but far from being 
always effectual. The owner of the horse will neither consult 
his own interest, nor the dictates of humanity, if he suffers the 
chisel and mallet, or the gimlet, or the pointed iron, or arse- 
nic, to be used ; yet measures of considerable severity must be 
resorted to. Repeated blisters will usually cause either the 
absorption of the bony deposit, or the abatement or removal of 
the inflammation of the ligaments, or, as a last resource, the 
heated iron may be applied.^ 

* Note by Mr. Spooncr. — Bone spavin, as stated in the text, is one of 
the most serious by which the horse is affected. In the majority of cases 
it must be confessed that treatment does not succeed in removing lameness 
When the disease is a simple ossification, on or below the small bones of 
the hock, the lameness may generally be removed ; but it is more fre- 
quently the case that the disease extends itself between the small bones 
of the hock, causing ulceration of the synovial membrane and cartilage 
forming the articulating surfaces, and even extending to the suhstance ol 



capped hock. 285 

The account of the diseases of the hock is not yet completed, 
[t is well known that the horse is frequently subject to lameness 
behind, when no ostensible cause for it can be lound, and there 
is no external heat or enlargement to indicate the seat of it ft 
is often pronounced an affection of the stifle, or of the round 
bone ; or, if there is a stiffness about the hock, the commence- 
ment of spavin. Yet in the latter case, the joint may be of its 
natural size and neither heat nor tenderness perceptible ; and 
months and years elapse without any appearance of spavin. 
Repeated dissections have shown that in these cases of incurable 
lameness behind, where there are no indications, during life, to 
point out the seat of it, it is occasioned by injuries to the deli- 
cate and sensible membranes with which the upper and lower 
wedge-bones are invested. Ulceration of the synovial mem- 
brane between the upper and lower wedge-shaped bones some- 
times takes place, and the bones themselves become carious 01 
ulcerated. 

CAPPED HOCK 

The point of the hock is sometimes swelled. A soft, fluctuat 
ing tumor appears on it. This is an enlargement of one of the 
mucous bags of which mention has been made, and that sur- 
rounds the insertion of the tendons into the point of the hock. 

It is seldom accompanied by lameness, and yet it is a some- 

the bones themselves. When such is the nature of the case, treatment 
will, to a great extent, prove unavailing. The amount of enlargement that 
may exist, therefore, offers no criterion as to the greater or lesser serious 
ness of the case, for a large exostosis may occur without this ulceration, 
which latter may exist in some instances with very little enlargement, and, 
in others, none whatever. Indeed, as stated in the text, in the greater 
number of cases of lameness of the hind extremities, where no cause is 
externally perceptible, the seat of injury is the hock. In the majority of 
cases, the synovial surfaces of the small bones of the hock are affected, in 
others the larger articulation between the tibia and astragalus is the seat 
of mischief, the synovial membrane and cartilage being similarly affected. 

With regard to tho treatment of these hock cases, as we before ob- 
served, the result is extremely uncertain and unsatisfactory. If any ex- 
ternal inflammation is present, we cannot do better than commence by 
abstracting blood from the vein above, and use cooling applications to the 
hock ; after which we may resort either to the blister, the seton, or the 
iron. The first is the milder remedy, and if resorted to, should be repeated 
several times. With regard to the seton, and the iron, we have both suc- 
ceeded and failed with each. It may be urged in favor of the seton that 
the marks and blemishes of the iron are avoided. 

In otherwise incurable lameness of the hock, the operation of neu- 
rotomy has been adopted with success, excising the nerve on the inside only 
a few inches above the hock. The merit of this operation is principally due 
to Professor Spooner, of the Royal Veterinary College of London, who 
was the first to perform and introduce it. 



2»6 MALLENDERS AND SALLENDERS. 

what serious business, for it is usually produced by blows and 
mostly by the injuries which the horse inflicts upon himself in the 
act of kicking : therefore it is that a horse with a capped hock is 
very properly regarded with a suspicious eye. The whole of the 
hock should be carefully examined, in order to discover whether 
there are other marks of violence, and the previous history of the 
animal should be carefully inquired into. Does he kick in har- 
ness or in the stall, or has he been lying on a thin bed, or on no 
bed at all ; and thus may the hock have been bruised, and the 
swelling produced ? 

It is exceedingly difficult to apply a bandage over a capped 
hock ; and puncturing the tumor, or passing a seton through it, 
would be a most injudicious practice. Blisters, or iodine, repeated 
as often as may be necessary, are the best means to be employed. 
Occasionally the tumor will spontaneously disappear ; but at other 
times it will attain a large size, or assume a callous structure, that 
will bid defiance to all the means that can be employed. # 



MALLENDERS AND SALLENDERS. 

On the inside of the hock, or a little below it, as well as at the 
Dend of the knee (h, Fig. 41), there is occasionally a surfy erup- 
tion, called malle?ide?'s in the fore-leg, and sallenders in the hind- 
leg. They seldom produce lameness ; but if no means are taken 
to get rid of them, a discharge proceeds from them which it is af- 
terwards difficult to stop. They usually indicate bad stable man- 
agement. 

A diuretic ball should be occasionally given, and an ointment 
of sugar-of-lead and tar, with treble the quantity of lard, rubbed 
over the part. Should this fail, a weak mercurial ointment may 
be used. Iodine has here also been useful. 



* Note by Mr. Spooner. — The actual seat of this* injury is between the 
skin and the tendons inserted in, and passing over, the point of the hock. 
The skin is very loose at this part, and, to facilitate the motions of the hock, 
there is much cellular membrane. A capped hock is a serous tumor or ab- 
scess ; that is, the parts are inflamed and irritated from blows, and scrum is 
thrown out between the skin and the cellular membrane, and the tumor is 
circumscribed. The vice of kicking against the stall-post is, in nearly every 
case, the cause of this disease. We should endeavor to remove the swelling 
by cooling measures, followed by a blister, or the application of iodine oint- 
ment ; but if these means fail, and the tumor is large, we may pass a seton 
through it with impunity, for there is no joint or tendinous sheath opened. 
The seton should be kept in until the discharge becomes slightly purulent, 
or otherwise the tumor will soon fill again with serum. 



SWELLED LEGS. 287 



SWELLED LEGS 



The fore-legs, but oftener the hind ones, and especially in coarse 
hoises, are sometimes subject to considerable enlargement. Oc- 
casionally, when the horse does not seem to labor under any other 
disease, and sometimes from an apparent shifting of disease from 
other parts, the hind-legs suddenly swell to an enormous degree 
from the hock, and almost from the stifle to the fetlock, attended 
by a greater or less degree of heat, and tenderness of the skin, and 
sometimes excessive and peculiar lameness. The pulse likewise 
becomes quick and hard, and the horse evidently labors under 
considerable fever. It is acute inflammation of the cellular sub- 
stance of the legs, and that most sudden in its attack, and most 
violent in its degree, and therefore attended by the effusion of a 
considerable quantity of fluid into the cellular membrane. It oc- 
curs in young horses, and in those which are over-fed and little 
exercised. Fomentations, diuretics, or purgatives, or, if there is 
much fever, a moderate bleeding will often relieve the distention 
almost as suddenly as it appeared. 

Sometimes the legs are swelled without lameness. At other 
times there is a great degree of stiffness and pain. Occasionally 
they become tremendously swollen in a single night, and exhibit 
great tenderness. Many horses, if suffered to remain several days 
without exercise, will have swelled legs. If the case is neglected, 
abscesses appear in various parts of the legs ; the heels are at- 
tacked by grease, and, if proper measures are not adopted, the 
horse has an enlarged leg for life. 

The cure, when the case has not been too long neglected, is 
sufficiently plain. Physic or diuretics, or both, must be had re- 
curse to. Mild cases will generally yield to their influence ; but, 
if the animal has been neglected, the treatment must be decisive. 
If the horse is in high condition, these should be preceded or ac- 
companied by bleeding ; but if there are any symptoms of debility, 
bleeding would only increase the want of tone in the vessels. 

Horses taken from grass and brought into close stables vet} 
speedily have swelled legs, because the difference of food and in- 
crease of nutriment rapidly increase the quantity of the circulating 
fluid, while the want of exercise takes away the means by which 
it might be got rid of. The remedy here is sufficiently plain. 
Swelled legs, however, may proceed from general debility. They 
may be the consequences of starvation, or disease that has con- 
siderably weakened the animal ; and these parts, being farthest 
from the centre of circulation, are the first to show the loss of 
power by the accumulation of fluid in them. Here the means of 
cure would be to increase the general strength, with which the 



288 GREASE. 

extremities would sympathize. Mild diuretics and tonics would 
therefore be evidently indicated. 

Horses in the spring and fall are subject to swelled legs. The 
powers of the constitution are principally employed in providing a 
new coat for the animal, and the extremities have not their share 
of vital influence. Mingled cordials and diuretics are indicated 
here — the diuretic to lessen the quantity of the circulating fluid, 
and the cordial to invigorate the frame. 

Swelled legs are often teasing in horses that are in tolerable or 
good health : but where the work is somewhat irregular, the cure 
consists in giving more equal exercise, walking the horse out daily 
when the usual work is not required, and using plenty of friction 
in the form of hand-rubbing. Bandages have a greater and more 
durable effect, for nothing tends more to support the capillary ves- 
sels, and rouse the action of the absorbents, than moderate pres- 
sure. Hay-bands will form a good bandage for the agricultural 
horse, and their effect will probably be increased by previously 
dipping them in water. 

The physic, or the diuretic ball may occasionally be used, but 
very sparingly : and only when they are absolutely required. In 
the hands of the owner of the horse, or the veterinary surgeon, 
they may be employed with benefit ; but in those of the carter or 
the groom they will do far more harm than good. The frequent 
and undue stimulus of the urinary organs by the diuretic ball, will 
be too often followed by speedy and incurable debility. If the 
swelling bids defiance to exercise, and friction, and bandage, the 
aid of the diuretic may be resorted to, but never until these 
have failed, unless there is an evident tendency to humor or 
grease. 

GREASE* 

Swelled legs, although distinct from grease, is a disease that is 
apt to degenerate into it. Grease is a specific inflammation of 
the skin of the heels, sometimes of the fore-feet, but oftener of the 
hinder ones. It is not a contagious disease, as some have asserted, 
although when it once appears in a stable it frequently attacks 
almost every horse in it. Bad stable management is the true 
cause of it. 

There is a peculiarity about the skin of the heel of the horse. 
In its healthy state there is a secretion of greasy matter from it, in 
order to prevent excoriation and chapping, and the skin is soft and 
pliable. Too often, however, from bad management, the secre- 
tion of this greasy matter is stopped, and the skin of the heel be- 
comes red, and dry, and scurfy. The joint still continuing to be 

* A variety of this is termed " Scratches" in the United States. — Am. Ed 



GREASE. 2d^f 

extended and flexed, cracks of the skin begin to appear, and these, 
if neglected, rapidly extend, and the heel becomes a mass of sore- 
ness, ulceration, and fungus. 

The distance of the heel from the centre of circulation, and the 
exposure and changes to which the part is subjected, render it a 
matter of little wonder that it is frequently attacked by inflam- 
mation. 

Grease is a local complaint. It is produced principally bv 
causes that act locally, and it is most successfully treated hy lo- 
cal applications. Diuretics and purgatives may be useful in abat- 
ing inflammation ; but the grand object is to get rid of the in- 
flammatory action which exists in the skin of the heel, and to 
heal the wounds, and remedy the mischief which it has oc- 
casioned. 

The first appeaaance of grease is usually a dry and scurfy state 
of the skin of the heel, with redness, heat, and itchiness. The 
heel should be well but gently washed with soap and water, and 
as much of the scurf detached as is easily removable. An oint- 
ment, composed of one part plum, diacet. and seven of adeps suillae 
will usually supple, and cool, and heal the part. 

When cracks appear, the mode of treatment will depend on 
their extent and depth. If they are but slight, a lotion, composed 
plumbi sulph. 3ij. et aluminis 3 iiij . , dissolved in a pint of water, 
will often speedily dry them up, and close them. There is some- 
times considerable caprice in the application of this lotion, which 
has induced Professor Morton to have recourse to alumen et tere- 
binthinus vulgaris one part each, and adeps suillae three parts, made 
into an ointment. 

If the cracks are deep, with an ichorous discharge and consider- 
able lameness, it will be necessary to poultice the heel. A poul- 
tice of linseed meal will be generally effective, unless the discharge 
is thin and offensive, when an ounce of finely-powdered charcoal 
should be mixed with the linseed meal ; or a poultice of carrots, 
boiled soft and mashed. The efficacy of a carrot-poultice is sel- 
dom sufficiently appreciated in cases like this. 

When the inflammation and pain have evidently subsided, and 
the sores discharge good matter, the calamine ointment may be 
applied with advantage ; and the cure will generally be quickened 
if a very diluted vitriolic or alum solution is applied. 

The best medicine will consist of mild aloetic balls ; gentle diu- 
retics being given towards the close of the treatment. 

After the chaps or cracks have healed, the legs will sometimes 
continue gorged and swelled. A flannel bandage, evenly applied 
over the whole of the swelled part, will be very serviceable ; or, 
should the season admit of it, a run at grass, particularly spring 
gross, should be allowed, A blister is inadmissible, Iroin the dan 
19 M 



290 GREASE. 

ger of bringing back the inflammation of the skin, and the (lis- 
charge from it ; but the actual cautery, special care being taken 
not to penetrate the skin, may occasionally be resorted to. 

In some cases the cracks are not confined to the centre of the 
heels, but spread over them, and extend on the fetlock, and even 
up the leg, while the legs are exceedingly swelled, and there is a 
watery discharge from the cracks, and an apparent oozing through 
the skin at other places. The legs are exceedingly tender and 
sometimes hot, and there is an appearance which the farrier thinks 
very decisive as to the state of the disease, and which the better 
informed man should not overlook — the heels smoke — the skin is 
so hot, that the watery fluid partly evaporates as it runs from the 
cracks or oozes through the skin. 

There will be great danger in suddenly stopping this discharge. 
Inflammation of a more important part has rapidly succeeded to 
the injudicious attempt. The local application should be directed 
to the abatement of the inflammation. The poultices just referred 
to should be diligently used night and day, and especially the 
carrot-poultice ; and when the heat, and tenderness, and stifihess 
of motion have diminished, astringent lotions may be applied — 
either the alum lotion, or a strong decoction of oak-bark, changed, 
or used alternately, but not mixed. The cracks should likewise 
be dressed with the ointment above-mentioned ; and, the moment 
the horse can bear it, a flannel bandage should be put on, reach- 
ing from the coronet to three or four inches above the swelling. 

The medicine should be confined to mild diuretics, mixed with 
one-third part of cordial mash ; or, if the horse is gross, and the 
inflammation runs high, a dose of physic may be given. If the 
horse is strong, and full of flesh, physic should always precede 
and sometimes supercede the diuretics. In cases of much debil- 
ity, diuretics, with aromatics or tonics, will be preferable. 

The feeding should likewise vary with the case, but with these 
rules, which admit of no exception, that green meat should be 
given, and more especially carrots, when they are not too expen- 
sive, and mashes, if the horse will eat them, and never the full 
allowance of corn. 

Walking exercise should be resorted to as soon as the horse is 
able to bear it, and this by degrees may be increased to a gentle 
trot. 

From bad stable management at first, and neglect during the 
disease, a yet worse kind of grease occasionally appears. The 
silceration extends over the skin of the heal and the fetlock, and a 
fungus springs from the surface of both, highly sensible, bleeding 
at the slightest touch, and interspersed with scabs. By degrees, 
portions of the fungus begin to be covered with a horny substance 
protruding in the form of knobs, and collected together in bunches. 



GREASE. 291 

These are known by the name of grapes. A foetid and very pe 
culiar exudation proceeds from nearly the whole of the unnatural 
substanee. The horse evidently suffers much, and is gradually 
worn down by the discharge. The assistance of a veterinary sur- 
geon is here indispensable. 

Some horses are more subject to grease than others, particu- 
larly draft horses, both heavy and light, but especially the former, 
and if they have no degree of blood in them. It was the experi- 
ence of this which partly contributed to the gradual change ol 
coach and other draught horses to those of a lighter breed. In 
the great majority of cases, grease arises from mismanagement 
and neglect. 

Want of exercise, high feeding and want of exercise, want of 
cleanliness, and dirty stables are among the causes of it. The 
absurd practice of washing the feet and legs of horses when they 
come from their work, and either carelessly sponging them down 
afterwards, or leaving them to dry as they may, is, however, the 
most common origin of grease. 

When the horse is warmed by his work, and tne heels share 
in the warmth, the momentary cold of washing may noi be inju- 
rious, if the animal is immediately rubbed dry ; yet even this 
would be better avoided : but to wash out the heels, and then 
leave them partially dry or perfectly wet, and suffering from the 
extreme cold that is produced by evaporation from a moist and 
wet surface, is the most absurd, dangerous, and injurious practice 
that can be imagined. It is worse when the post-horse or the 
plough-horse is plunged up to his belly in the river or pond, 
immediately after his work. The owner is little aware how 
many cases of inflammation of the lungs, and bowels, and feet, 
and heels follow. After they have been suffered to stand for 
twenty minutes in the stable, during which time the horse-keeper 
or the carter may be employed in taking care of the harness, 01 
carriage, or beginning to dress the horse, the greater part of the 
dirt which had collected about the heels may be got rid of with 
a dry brush ; and the rest will disappear a quarter of an hour 
afterwards under the operation of a second brushing. The trouble 
will not be great, and the heels will not be chilled and subject to 
inflammation. 

Their has been some dispute as to the propriety of cutting the 
hair from the heels. Custom has very properly retained the hair 
on our farm- horses. Nature would not have given it, had it not 
been useful. It guards the heel from being injured by the in- 
equalities of the ploughed field ; it prevents the dirt in which the 
heels are constantly enveloped, from reaching and caking on, 
and irritating the skin ; it hinders the usual moisture which is 
mixed with the clay and mould from reaching the skin, and it 



292 GREASE. 

preserves an equal temperature in the parts. If the hair is suf- 
fered to remain on the heels of the farm-horses, there is greater 
necessity for brushing and hand-rubbing the heels, and never 
washing them. 

Fashion and utility have removed the hair from the heels of 
our hackney and carriage horses. When the horse is carefully 
tended after his work is over, and his legs quickly and completely 
dried, the less hair he has about them the better, for then both 
the skin and the hair can be made perfectly dry before evapora- 
tion begins, or proceeds so far as to deprive the legs of their 
heat.* 

Note by Mr. Spooner. — In the treatment of this disease and those anal- 
agous cases of humors or swellings of the legs by which it is preceded, 
blood-letting will be generally desirable, with a dose of physic ; for it is 
while the system is under the cooling effects of these depletive agents that 
local measures are attended with the greatest benefit. Poultices either of 
linseed meal or carrots, may be applied, and astringent lotions added to 
them ro as to remove the irritation, and check the discharge at the samo 
time. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



THE FOOT. 



Fig. 46. 



a The external crust 
Been at the quarter. 

b The coronary ring. 

c The little horny 
plates lining the crust. 

d The same contin- 
ued over the hars. 

e e The two concave 
surfaces of the inside of 
the horny frog. 

/ That which exter- 
ually is the cleft of the 
frog. 

g The bars. 

h The rounded part 
of the heels, belonging 
to the froe. 



This cut exhibits, in as satisfactory a manner, the mechanism 
and structure of the base of the foot. 

Fig. 47. 

a a The frog. 

b The sole. 

c c The bars. 

d d The crust. 



Tne foot is composed of the horny box that covers the extrem- 
ities of the horse, and the contents of that box. The hoof or box 
is composed of the crust or wall, the coronary ring and band, the 
bars, the horny laminae, the sole, and the horny frog. 





294 THE CRUST OR WALL OF THE HOOP. 



THE CRUST OR WALL OF THE HOOF. 

The crust, or wall, is that portion which is seen when the foot is 
placed on the ground, and reaches from the termination of the hair 
to the ground. It is deepest in front, where it is called the toe, 
measuring there about three inches and a half in depth, (see Fig 
48,) shallower at the sides, which are denominated the quarters, 
and of least extent behind, where it is seldom more than an inch 
and a half in height, and is termed the heel. The crust in the 
healthy foot presents a flat and narrow surface to the ground, 
ascending obliquely backwards, and possessing different degrees 
of obliquity in different horses. In a sound hoof the proper 
degree of obliquity is calculated at forty-five degrees, or the 
fourth part of a semicircle, at the front of the foot. When the 
obliquity is greater than this, it indicates undue flatness of the 
sole, and the crust is said to have " fallen in." If the obliquity 
is very much increased, the sole projects, and is said too be pum- 
iced or convex. 

If the foot is more upright, or forms a greater angle than forty- 
five degrees, it indicates much contraction, and a sole too concave ; 
and this difference of obliquity is often so great, that the convex- 
ity or concavity of the sole may be affirmed without the trouble 
of raising the foot for the purpose of examination. 

It is of some importance to observe where the depth of the crust 
appears rapidly or slowly to decrease from the front to the heel. 
If the decrease is little, and even at the heel the crust is high 
and deep, this indicates a foot liable to contraction, sand-crack, 
thrush, and inflammation. The pasterns are upright, the paces 
of that horse are not pleasant. On the other hand, if the crust 
rapidly diminishes in depth and the heels are low, this is accom- 
panied by too great slanting of the pastern, and disposition to 
sprain in the back sinew. The foot, generally, is liable to be 
weak and flat, and bruised, and there is more tendency to the 
frequent, but obscure lameness, of which there will presently 
be occasion to treat — the navicular-joint disease. 

The crust is composed of numerous horny fibres, connected 
together by an elastic membranous substance, and extending 
from the coronet to the base of the hoof. It differs materially 
in its texture, its elasticity, its growth, and its occasional brit- 
tleness according to the state in which it is kept, and the cir- 
cumstances that are acting upon it. 

The outside of the hoof should be smooth and level. Protu- 
berances or rings round the crust indicate that the horse has had 
inflammation in the feet, and that to such a degree, as to produce 
an unequal growth of horn, and probably to leave some injurious 



THE OORONET. 2')"> 

consequences in the internal part of the foot. If there is a depres- 
sion or hollow in front of the foot, it betrays a sinking of the 
coffin-bone, and a flat or pumiced sole. If there is a hollow at 
the quarters, it is the worse system of bad contraction. 

The thickness of the crust, in the front of the foot, is rather 
more than half an inch ; it becomes gradually thinner towards 
the quarters and heels, but this often varies to a considerable 
extent. In some hoofs, it is not more than half the above thick- 
ness. If however there is not, in the majority of horses, more 
than half an inch for nail-hold at the toe, and not so much at the 
quarters, it will not appear surprising that these horses are occa- 
sionally wounded in shoeing, and especially as some of them are 
very unmanageable while undergoing this process. 

While the crust becomes thinner towards both quarters, it is 
more so at the inner quarter than at the outer, because more 
weight is thrown upon it than upon the outer. It is more under 
the horse. It is under the inner splint-bone, on which so much 
more of the weight rests than on the outer ; and, being thinner, 
it is able to expand more. Its elasticity is called rmre into play, 
and concussion and injury are avoided. When the expansion 
of the quarters is prevented by their being nailed to an unbend- 
ing shoe, the inner quarter suffers most. Corns are oftenest 
found there ; contraction begins there ; sand-crack is seated 
there. Nature meant that this should be the most yielding part, 
in order to obviate concussion, because on it the weight is prin- 
cipally thrown, and therefore when its power of yielding is taken 
away it must be the first to suffer. 

A careful observer will likewise perceive that the inner quarter 
is higher than the outer. While it is thin to yield to the shock, 
its increased surface gives it sufficient strength. 

On account of its thinness, and the additional weight which it 
bears, the inner heel v/ear saway quicker than the outer ; a cir- 
cumstance that should never be forgotten by the smith. His ob- 
ject is to give a plane and level bearing to the whole of the crust. 
To accomplish this, it will be often scarcely necessary to remove 
any thing from the inner heel, for this has already been done by 
the wear of the foot. If he forgets this, as he too often seems to 
do, and cuts away with his knife or his buttress an equal portion 
all round, he leaves the inner or weaker quarter lower than the 
outer ; he throws an uneven bearing upon it ; and produces corns 
and sand-cracks and splints, which a little care and common sense 
might have avoided. 




296 THE BARS. 



THE CORONET, OR CORONARY RING. 

The crust does not vary much in thickness until near the top 
where it rapidly gets thin. It is in a manner scooped or hollowed 
Fi»\ 48 ou ^- fr likewise changes its color and consis 

tence, and seems almost like a continuation of 
the skin, but is easily separated irom it by mu- 
ceration, (steeping or soaking in a fluid,) or by 
disease. The upper and thin part is called the 
coronary ring, x Fig. 37. It extends round the 
upper portion of the hoofs, and receives, within 
it, or covers, a thickened or bulbous prolongation 
of the skin, called the coronary ligament (see 0, 
in the accompanying cut). This prolongation of 
the skin — it is nothing more — is thickly supplied with blood-ves- 
sels. It is almost a mesh of blood-vessels connected together by 
hbrous texture, and many of them are employed in secreting or 
forming the crust or wall of the foot. Hence it is, that in sand- 
crack, quitor, and other diseases in which strips of the crust are 
destroyed, it is so long in being renewed, or growing down. It 
must proceed from the coronary ligament, and so gradually creep 
down the foot with the natural growth or lengthening of the 
horn, of which, as in the human nail, a supply is slowly given to 
answer to the wear and tear of the part. 

THE BARS. 

At the back part of the foot the wall of the hoof, instead of 
continuing round and forming a circle, is suddenly bent in as in 
Fig. 47, where d represents the base of the crust, and e its inflec- 
tion or bending at the heel. The bars are, in fact, a continual i< n 
of the crust, forming an acute angle, and meeting at a point at 
the toe of the frog — see a, b, and e, in Fig. 47, and the inside of 
the bars, like the inside of the crust, (see Fig. 46.) presents a con- 
tinuance of the horny leaves, showing that it is a part of the same 
substance, and helping to discharge the same office. 

It needs only the slightest consideration of the cut, or of the 
natural hoof, to show the importance of the bars. The arch 
which these form on either side, between the frog and the quar- 
ters, is admirably contrived both to admit of, and to limit to its 
proper extent, the expansion of the foot. When the foot is 
placed on the ground, and the weight of the animal is throAvn on 
the leaves of the inside of the bars, these arches will shorten and 
widen, in order to admit of the expansion of the quarters — the bow 
returning to its natural curve, and powerfully assisting the loot in 



THE HORNY LAMIN.E THE SOLE. 297 

regaining its usual form. It can also be conceived that these 
bars must form a powerful protection against the contraction, or 
wiring in, of the quarters. A moment's inspection (<f, Fig. 46) 
will show that, if the bars are taken away, there will be nothing 
to resist the contraction or falling in of the quarters, when the foot 
is exposed to any disease, or bad management, that would induce 
it to contract. One moment's observation of them will also ren- 
der evident the security which they afford to the frog (f), and 
the effectual protection which they give to the lateral portions of 
the foot. 

Then appears the necessity of passing lightly over them, and 
leaving prominent, when the foot is pared for shoeing, that which 
so many smiths cut perfectly away. They imagine that it gives 
a more open appearance to the foot of the horse. Horses shod for 
the purpose of sale, have usually the bars removed with this 
view ; and the smiths in the neighborhood of the metropolis and 
large towns, shoeing for dealers, too often habitually pursue, with 
regard to all their customers, the injurious practice of removing 
the bars. The horny frog, deprived of its guard, will speedily 
contract, and become elevated and thrushy ; and the whole of the 
heel, having lost the power of reaction which the curve between 
the bar c and the crust d gave it (vide Fig. 47.), will speedily 
fall in. <£. 

THE HORNY LAMINAE, OR LEAVES. • 

The inside of the crust is covered by thin horny leaves (c Fig. 
46), extending all round it, and reaching from the coronary ring 
to the toe. They are about five hundred in number, broadest at 
their base, and terminating in the most delicate expansion of horn. 
They not a little resemble the inner surface of a mushroom. In 
front, they run in a direction from the coronet to the toe, and 
towards the quarters they are more slanting from behind forwards 
They correspond, as will be presently shown, with similar carti 
laginous and fleshy leaves on the surface of the coffin-bone, and 
form a beautiful elastic body, by which the whole weight of the 
horse is supported. 

THE SOLE 

Is under, and occupies the greater portion of the concave and 
elastic surface of the foot (see b, Fig. 47), extending from the 
crust to the bars and frog. It is not so thick as the crust, because, 
notwithstanding its situation, it does not support so much weight 
as the crust ; and because it was intended to expand, in order to 
prevent concussion, when, by the descent of the bone of the foot, 



298 THE FROG. 

the weight was thrown upon it. It is not so brittle as the crust, 
and it is more elastic than it. It is thickest at the toe (see t, Fig 
37), because the first and principal stress is thrown on that part 
The coffin-bone, f, is driven forward and downward iu that direc- 
tion. It is likewise thicker where it unites with the crust than it 
is towards the centre, for a similar and evident reason, beeause 
there the weight is first and principally thrown. 

In a state of nature it is, to a certain degree, hollow. The 
reason of this is plain. It is intended to descend or yield with 
the weight of the horse, and by that gradual descent or yielding, 
most materially lessen the shock which would result from the 
sudden action of the weight of the animal in rapid and violent 
exercise ; and this descent can only be given by a hollow sole. 
A fiat sole, already pressing upon the ground, could not be brought 
lower ; nor could the functions of the frog be then discharged ; 
nor would the foot have so secure a hold. Then if the sole is 
naturally hollow, and hollow because it must descend, the smith 
should not interfere with this important action. When the foot 
will bear it, he must pare out sufficient of the horn to preserve 
the proper concavity ; also a small portion at the toe and near the 
crust, and cutting deeper towards the centre. He must put on a 
shoe which shall not prevent the descent of the sole, and which 
not only shall not press upon it, but shall leave sufficient room 
between it and the sole to admit of this descent. If the sole is 
pressed upon by the coffin-bone during the lengthening of the 
elastic laminae, and the shoe will not permit its descent, the sen- 
sible part between the coffin-bone and the horn will necessarily 
be bruised, and inflammation and lameness will ensue. It is 
from this cause, that if a stone insinuates itself between the shoe 
and the sole, it produces so much lameness. Of the too great 
concavity of the sole, or the want of concavity in it, we shall 
treat when we arrive at diseases of the foot. 

THE FROG. 

In the space between the bars, and accurately filling it, is tne 
frog. It is a triangular portion of horn, projecting from the so'e, 
almost on a level with the crust, and covering and defending a 
6oft and elastic substance called the sensible frog. Its shape all 
are familiar with. It is firmly united to the sole, but is perfectly 
distinct from it. - It is softer and far more elastic. It discharges 
various duties besides the one above named. It comes in contact 
with the ground and prevents the horse from slipping, especially 
when the heel comes first to the ground, as in galloping. It as- 
Bists materially in the expansion of the foot. To discharge these 
various duties, it must come in contact with the ground, and iu 



^IIE COFFIN-BONE. 299 

the unshod horse is always so. The practice of cutting much of 
it away in shoeing, is therefore highly improper. 

The rough and detached parts should be cut off at each shoe- 
ing, and the substance of the frog itself, so as to bring it just 
above or ivithin the level of the shoe. It will then, in the de- 
scent of the sole, when the weight of the horse is thrown upon 
it in the putting down of the foot, descend likewise, and pressing 
upon the ground, do its duty ; while it will be defended from the 
wear, and bruise, and injury that it would receive if it came upon 
the ground with the first and full shock of the weight. This will 
be the proper guide to the smith in shoeing, and to the proprietor 
in the direction which he gives. 

THE COFFIN-BONE. 

The interior part of the foot must now be considered. The 
lower pastern, a small portion of which (see d, Fig. 37) is con- 
tained in the horny box, has been already described, p. 267 — Be- 
neath it, and altogether inclosed in the hoof, is the coffin-bone, or 
proper bone of the foot, (see f, Fig. 37, and d, Fig. 38). It is 
fitted to, and fills the fore part of the hoof, occupying about half 
of it. It is of a light and spongy structure (see d, Fig. 38), and 
filled with numerous minute foramina (holes or pores). Through 
these pass the blood-vessels and nerves of the foot, which are ne- 
cessarily numerous, considering the important and various secre 
tions there carrying on, and the circulation through the foot which 
could not possibly be kept up if these vessels did not run through 
the substance of the bone. Considering the manner in which 
this bone is inclosed in the horny box, and yet the important sur- 
faces around and below it that are to be nourished with blood, the 
circulation which is thus carried on within the very body of the 
bone is one of the most beautiful provisions of nature that is to 
be found in the whole frame. No inconvenience can arise from 
occasional or constant pressure, but the bone allows free passage 
to the blood, and protects it from every possible obstruction. 

Its shape and position within the foot will be seen by inspect- 
ing Fig. 37. 

On the front and sides of the coffin-bone are laminae or leaves 
— cartilaginous fleshy plates — running down between the horny 
leaves of the crust. The substance which connects these leave 
with the coffin-bone is highly elastic — and necessarily so — as 
while the horse is at rest, his whole weight is supported by them. 
This has been proved by experiment. The sole, bars, and frog 
were removed from the foot of a horse, and yet as he stood, the 
coffin-bone did not in the slightest degree descend. But when 
the horse is moving, both sets of leaves — those of the coffin-bono 



300 THE SENSIBLE SOLE FROG NAVICULAR BONE. 

and the superior portion of the crust, gradually lengthen, and 
suffer the coffin-bone to press on the sole. The sole then descends, 
and in descending, expands ; and so, by an admirable mechanism, 
the violent shock which would be produced by the pressure of 
such a weight as that of the horse, and the velocity with which 
it descends, is lessened or destroyed, and the complicated apparatus 
of the foot remains uninjured. 

THE SENSIBLE SOLE. 

Between the coffin-bone and the homy sole is situated the sen- 
sible sole, (Fig. 37,) formed above of a substance of a ligamentous 
or tendinous nature, and below of a cuticular or skin-like sub 
stance, plentifully supplied with blood-vessels. It was placed 
between the coffin-bone and the sole, by its yielding structure to 
assist in preventing concussion, and also to form a supply of horn 
for the sole. It extends beyond the coffin-bone, but not at all 
under the frog. Leaving a space for the frog, it proceeds over 
the bars, and there is covered by some laminae, to unite with those 
that have been described, page 293, as found in the bars. It is 
here likewise thicker, and more elastic, and by its elasticity is 
evidently assisting in obviating concussion. It is supplied with 
nervous fibres, and is highly sensible, as the slightest experience 
in horses will evince. The lameness which ensues from the pres- 
sure of a stone, or of the shoe, on the sole is caused by inilamnia- 
tion of the sensible sole. Corns result from bruise and inflamma- 
tion of the sensible sole, between the crust and the bar. 

THE SENSIBLE FROG. 

The coffin-bone does not occupy more than one-half of the 
hoof. The posterior part is filled by a soft mass, partly ligament- 
ous, and partly tendinous (o, Fig. 37). Its shape below corres- 
ponds with the cavities of the horny frog ; in front it is attached 
to the inferior part of the coffin-bone ; and farther back, it ad- 
heres to the lower part of the cartilages of the heels, where they 
begin to form the rounded protuberances that constitute the heel 
of the foot. It occupies the whole of the back part of the ibol 
above the horny frog and between the cartilages. Running im- 
mediately above the frog, and along the greater part of it, we 
find the perforans flexor tendon, which passes over the navicular 
bone, e, Fig. 37, and is inserted into the heel of the coffin-bone 

THE NAVICULAR-BONE 

is placed behind and beneath the lower pastern-bone, and behinu 
and above the heel of the coffin-bone, e, Fig. 37, so that it forms 



THE CARTILAGES OF THE FOOT. 301 

a joint with both bones, and answers a very important office in 
strengthening the union between these parts, in receiving a por- 
tion of the weight which is thrown on the lower pastern and in 
enabling the flexor tendon to act with more advantage. Suppos- 
ing that this tendon were inserted into the coffin-bone without the 
intervention of the navicular bone, it would act at great mechan- 
ical disadvantage in bending the pastern, for it is inserted near 
the end of the coffin-bone, and the weight, concentrated about 
the middle of the bone, is far off, and requires a great power to 
raise it ; but when the navicular-bone is interposed, the centre of 
motion becomes the posterior edge of that bone, where it is m 
contact with the tendon, and then it will be seen that the distance 
of the power from the centre of motion is nearly or quite the 
same as the weight, and very great expenditure of muscular 
power will be saved. In the one case, the power must be at least 
double the weight, in the other they will be nearly equal ; and 
also the angle at which the tendon is inserted, is considerably 
more advantageous. Perhaps this is the principal use of the na 
vicular-bone ; yet at the same time we are aware of the benefit 
which accrues (see Fig. 37) from a portion of the weight being 
taken from the coffin-bone, and thrown on the navicular-bone, 
and from it on the tendon, and the tendon resting on the elastic 
frog underneath. 

THE CARTILAGES OF THE FOOT. 

There is a groove extending along the upper part of the coffin- 
bone and on either side, except at the protuberance which re- 
ceives the extensor tendon e, Fig. 37, occupied by cartilage, which, 
like the crust, is convex outwards and concave inwards. It ex- 
tends to the very posterior part of the foot, rising about the quar- 
ters half an inch or more above the hoof, and diminishing in 
height forward and backward. These cartilages occupy a greater 
portion of the foot than does the coffin-bone, as will be seen in 
Fig. 40, where they are represented as extending far behind the 
coffin-bone. They are held in their situation not merely by this 
groove, but by other connections with the coffin-bone, the navi- 
cular bone, and the flexor tendon, and are thus perfectly secured. 

Below are other cartilages connected with the under edges of 
the former, and on either side of the frog. 

Between these cartilages is the sensible frog, filling up the 
whole of the space, and answering several important purposes. 



CHAPTER XT. 

THE DISEASES OF THE FOOT. 

Of these there is a long list, lhat will not be wondered at by 
those who have duly considered the complicated structure of the 
foot, the duty it has to perform, and the injuries to which it is ex- 
posed. It will be proper to commence with that which is the 
cause of many other diseases of the foot, and connected with al- 
most all. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE FOOT, OR ACUTE FOUNDER. 

The sensible laminsb, or fleshy plates on the front and sides of 
the coffin-bone, being replete with blood-vessels, are, like every 
other vascular (filled with blood-vessels) part, liable to inflamma- 
tion, from its usual causes, and particularly from the violence with 
which, in rapid and long-continued action, these parts are strained 
and bruised. When battered and bruised by severe races or 
journeys, it will be no wonder if inflammation of the over- worked 
parts should ensue ; and the occurrence of it may probably be 
produced, and the disease aggravated by the too prevalent absurd 
mode of treating the animal. If a horse that has been ridden oi 
driven hard is suffered to stand in the cold, or if his feet are wash- 
ed and not speedily dried, he is very likely to have " fever in the 
feet." There is no more fruitful source of inflammation in the 
human being, or the brute, than these sudden changes of temper- 
ature. This has been explained as it regards grease, but it beara 
more immediately on the point now under consideration. The 
danger is not confined to change from heat to cold. Sudden 
transition from cold to heat is as injurious, and therefore it is that 
so many horses, after having been ridden far in frost and snow, 
and placed immediately in a hot stable, and littered up to the 
knees, are attacked by this malady. 

Sometimes there is a sudden change of inflammation from one 
organ to another. A horse may have labored for several days 
under evident inflammation of the lungs ; all at once that will 
subside, and the disease will appear in the feet, or inflammation 



INFLAMMATION OF THE FOOT. 303 

of the feet may follow similar affections in the bowels or the eyes. 
In cases of severe inflammation of the lungs, it may not be bad 
practice to remove the shoes and poul tice the feet. 

To the attentive observer the symptons are clearly marked, and 
yet there is no disease so often overlooked by the groom and the 
carter, and even by the veterinary surgeon. The disease may as- 
sume an acute or chronic form. The earliest symptoms of fever 
in the feet are fidgetiness, frequent shifting of the fore-legs, but 
no pawing, much less any attempt to reach the belly with the 
hind-feet. The pulse is quickened, the flanks heaving, the nos- 
trils red, and the horse, by his anxious countenance, and possibly 
moaning, indicating great pain. Presently he looks about his lit- 
ter, as if preparing to lie down, but he does not do so immedi- 
ately ; he continnes to shift his weight from foot to foot ; he is 
afraid to draw his feet sufficiently under him for the purpose of 
lying down : but at length he drops. The circumstance of his 
lying down at an early period of the disease will sufficiently dis- 
tinguish inflammation of the feet from that of the lungs, in which 
the horse obstinately persists in standing until he drops from mere 
exhaustion. His quietness when down will distinguish it from 
colic or inflammation of the bowels, in both of which the horse is 
up and down, and frequently rolling and kicking when down. 
When the grievance is in the feet, the horse experiences so much 
relief, from getting rid of the weight painfully distending the in- 
flamed and highly sensible laminae, that he is glad to lie as long 
as he can. He will likewise, as clearly as in inflammation of the 
lungs or bowels, point out the seat of disease by looking at the 
part. His muzzle will often rest on the feet or the affected foot. 
He must be inattentive who is not aware of what all this indi- 
cates. 

If the feet are now examined, they will be found evidently hot, 
The patient will express pain if they are slightly rapped with a 
hammer, and the artery at the pastern will throb violently. No 
great time will now pass, if the disease is suffered to pursue its 
course, before he will be perfectly unable to rise ; or, if he is 
forced to get up, and one foot is lifted, he will stand with difficul- 
ty on the other, or perhaps drop at once from intensity of pain. 

The treatment will resemble that of other inflammations, with 
such differences as the situation of the disease may suggest. 

Bleeding is indispensable ; and that to its fullest extent. If the 
disease is confined to the fore-feet, four quarts of blood should be 
taken as soon as possible from the toe of each at the situation 
pointed out, fig. z, page 263, and in the manner already described ; 
care being taken to open the artery as well as the vein. The 
feet may likewise be put into warm water, to quicken the flow 
of the blood, and increase the quantity abstracted. Poultices of 



304 INFLAMMATION OF THE FOOT. 

Linseed meal, made very soft, should cover the whole of the foot 
and pastern, and be frequently renewed, which will promote eva 
poration from the neighboring parts, and possibly through the 
pores of the hoof, and by softening and rendering supple the hoof, 
will relieve its painful pressure on the swelled and tender parts 
beneath. More fully to accomplish this last purpose, the shoe 
should be removed, tho sole pared as thin as possible, and the 
crust, and particularly the quarters, well rasped. All this must 
be done gently, and with a great deal of patience, for the poor ani- 
mal can scarcely bear his feet to be meddled with. There used 
to be occasional doubt as to the administration of physic, from fear 
of metastasis (shifting) of inflammation which has sometimes oc- 
curred, and been generally fatal. When, however, there is so 
much danger of losing the patient from the original attack, we 
must run the risk of the other. Sedative and cooling: medicines 
should be diligentiy administered, consisting of digitalis, nitre, 
and emetic tartar. 

If no amendment is observed, three quarts of blood should be 
taken from each foot on the following day. In extreme cases, a 
third bleeding of two quarts may be justifiable, and, instead of 
the poultice, clothes kept wet with water in which nitre has been 
dissolved immediately before, and in the proportion of an ounce 
of nitre to a pound of water, may be wrapped round the feet. 
About the third day a blister may be tried, taking in the whole 
of the pastern and the coronet ; but a cradle must previously be 
put on the neck of the horse, and the feet must be covered after 
the blister, or they will probably be sadly blemished. The horse 
should be kept on mash diet, unless green meat can be procured 
for him ; and even that should not be given too liberally, nor 
shouid he, in the slightest degree, be coaxed to eat. When he 
appears to be recovering, his getting on his feet should not be hur- 
ried. It should be left perfectly to his own discretion ; nor should 
even walking exercise be permitted until he stands firm on his 
feet. When that is the case, and the season will permit, two 
months' run at grass will be very serviceable. 

It is not always, however, or often, that inflammation of the 
feet is thus easily subdued ; and, if it is subdued, it sometimes 
leaves after it some fearful consequences. The loss of the hoof is 
not an unfrequent' one. About six or seven days from the first 
attack, a slight separation will begin to appear between the 
coronet and the hoof. This should be carefully attended to, for 
the separated horn will never again unite with the parts beneath, 
but the disunion will extend, and the hoof will be lost. It is 
true that a new hoof will be formed, but it will be smaller in 
size and weaker than the first, and will rarely stand hard work. 
When this separation is observed, it will be a malter of calcula- 



CHRONIC FOUNDER PUMICED FEET. 



mr> 



tion with the proprietor of the horse whether be will suffer the 
medical treatment to proceed.* 

CHRONIC FOUNDER. 

This is a species of founder, insidious in its attack, and des- 
tructive to the horse. It is a milder form of the preceding dis- 
ease. There is lameness, but it is not so severe as in the former 
case. The horse stands as usual. The crust is warm, and that 
warmth is constant, but it is not often probably greater than in 
a state of health. The surest symptoms is the action of the ani- 
mal. It is diametrically opposite to that in the navicular disease. 
The horse throws as much of his weight as he can, on the poste- 
rior parts of his feet. 

The treatment should be similar to that recommended for the 
acute disease — blood-letting, soultices, fomentations, and blisters, 
and the last much sooner and much more frequently than in the 
former disease. 

PUMICED FEET. 

The sensible and horny little plates which were elongated and 
partially separated during the intensity of the inflammation of 
founder, will not always perfectly unite again, or will have lost 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Laminitis, or inflammation of the laminae of the 
feet (or acute founder), though often occasioned *by long-continued exertion 
on the hard road, is not produced by galloping on the turf, and, indeed, 
scarcely ever affects race-horses. Heavier breeds are more liable, and par 
ticularly when the feet are weak in proportion to the weight of the animal. 
When horses work on soft ground, the sole and the frog bear some propor- 
tion of the weight, but on the hard road the shoe alone comes in contact 
with the ground, and consequently the crust and the laminae bear the whole 
of the weight, and thus are exposed to inflammatory action from this cause. 
Some relief, however, is obtained by the feet being alternately in the air and 
on the ground ; but when horses are confined many days in a standing pos- 
ture, as on board ship, the laminae are almost constantly on the stretch ; 
this disease, therefore, very frequently follows a voyage, and has often at- 
tacked troop-horses, particularly when the voyage has been rough and of 
undue continuance. When, however, lami?iitis suspenses as a secondary 
disease, the prior disorder affects a similar tissue as the other ; thus it is 
when pleurisy is succeeded with laminitis, both the pleura and the laxnime 
being fibrous tissues and of the same character. Such likewise is the case 
when acute rheumatism is the prior disease. 

With regard to treatment, the most energetic measures must be adopted, 
as advised in the text. It is not however judicious to bleed a second time 
in the feet, but better to repeat the bleeding from the arms or the coronets. 
When a blister is applied its effects should be washed off the following day, 
by doing which it can be repeated several times. Bleeding, however, is tho 
sheet-anchor, and there is generally a capability of bearing a large deple- 
tion. 20 



3(n rnvircED feet. 

much of their elasticity, and the coffin-bone, no longer fully sup 
ported by them, presses upon the sole, and the sole becomes flat 
teiied, or convex, from this unnatural weight, and the horse ac- 
quires a pumiced foot. This will also happen when the anima* 
is used too soon after an attack of inflammation of the feet, and 
before the laminae have reigained sufficient strength to support 
the weight of the horse, or to contract again by their elastic 
power when they have yielded to the weight. When the coffin- 
bone is thus thrown on the sole, and renders it pumiced, the 
crust at the front of the hoof will "fall in" leaving a kind of 
hollow about the middle of it. 

Pumiced feet, especially in horses with large, wide feet, are 
frequently produced without this acute inflammation. Undue 
work, and especially much battering of the feet on the pavement, 
will extend and sprain these laminae so much, that they will not 
have the power to contract, and thus the coffin-bone will be 
thrown backward on the sole. A very important law of nature 
will unfortunately soon be active here. When pressure is ap- 
plied to any part, the absorbents become busy in removing it ; so, 
when the coffin-bone begins to press upon the sole, the sole be- 
comes thin from the increased wear and tear to which it is sub- 
jected by contact with the ground, and also because these absorb- 
ents are rapidly taking it away. 

This is one of the diseases of the feet for which there is no 
cure. No skill is competent to effect a reunion between the sep- 
Liixted liesny and horny laminae, or to restore to them tiie 
strength and elasticity of which they have been deprived, or to 
take up that hard, horny substance which speedily fills the space 
between the crust and the receding coffin-bone. 

All that can be done in the way of palliation is by shoeing. 
Nothing must press on the projecting and pumiced part. If the 
projection is not considerable, a thick bar-shoe is the best thing 
that can be applied ; but should this sole have much descended, 
a shoe with a very wide web, bevelled off so as not to press on 
the part, may be used. These means of relief, however, are only 
temporary, the disease will proceed ; and, at no great distance 
of time, the horse will be useless.* 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — When this disease follows that previously 
treated of in the preceding article, the horse is rendered completely unser- 
viceable, the laminae become disorganized, the coffin-bone separates from 
the crust and descends on the sensible sole, which, unable to bear the pres- 
sure, becomes bruised and diseased, and in fact the horse is incurably lame. 
When, however, a convex foot is gradual in its approach, and the sole be- 
comes pumiced by degrees, there is some palliation to be offered ; in such 
instances there is usually a weak foot previously, giving a predisposition to 
the disease. In this case likewise the toe of the bone recedes from the 
crust, a horny substance is thrown out between them, which is however of 



CONTRACTION. 307 



CONTRACTION. 

Fig. 47, will give a fair idea of the young and healthy foot, 
approaching nearly to a circle, and of which the quarters form 
the widest part, and the inner quarter (this is the near foot) 
rather wider than the outer. This shape is not long preserved 
in many horses, but the foot increases in length, and narrows in 
the quarters, and particularly at the heel, and the frog is dimin- 
ished in width, and the sole becomes more concave, and the 
heels higher, and lameness, or at least a shortened and feeling 
action, ensues. 

It must be premised that there is a great deal more horror of 
contracted heels than there is occasion for. Many persons reject 
a horse at once if the quarters are iviring in ; but the fact is, 
that although this is an unnatural form of the hoof, it is slow of 
growth, and nature kindly makes that provision for the slowly 
altered form of the hoof which she does in similar cases — she ac 
commodates the parts to the change of form. As the hoof draws 
in, the parts beneath, and particularly the coffin-bone, and espe- 
cially the heels of that bone, diminish ; or, after all, it is more a 
change of form than of capacity. As the foot lengthens in pro- 
portion as it narrows, so does the coffin-bone, and it is as perfectly 
adjusted as before to the box in which it is placed. Its lamina) 
are in as intimate and perfect union with those of the crust as 
before the hoof had begun to change. On this account it is that 
many horses, with very contracted feet, are perfectly sound, and 
no horse should be rejected merely because he has contraction. 
He should undoubtedly be examined more carefully, and with 
considerable suspicion ; but if he has good action, and is other- 
wise unexceptionable, there is no reason that the purchase should 
not be made. A horse with contracted feet, if he goes sound, is 
better than another with open but weak heels. 

The opinion is perfectly erroneous that contraction is the ne- 

oo use as a support ; the front of the foot, usually the strongest, now be- 
comes the weakest, and the horse goes mostly upon his heels. A cure being 
out of the question, we must endeavor to palliate as best we can, and this 
we shall do by means of shoeing. A bar -shoe should be nailed on, well 
hollowed out, so as not to press on the sole in the slightest degree, and a 
rim of leather should be put under the shoe to diminish concussion, but 
should not extend over the sole. The bar should be put on so as to be 
within the eighth of an inch from the frog, by which means pressure only 
will be given it when the foot is on the ground, and it will thus be enabled 
to support a moderate share of the superincumbent weight, and so relieve 
the crust of it. The hoof should be frequently anointed with a mixture of 
tar and grease, and if the horse is rested for some time the coronets may be 
olistered 



308 CONTRACTION. 

cessary consequence of shoeing. There can be no doubt that an 
inflexible iron ring being nailed to the foot prevents, to a very 
considerable degree, the descent of the sole and the expansion of 
the heels below ; and it is likewise probable, that when the ex 
pansion of the heels is prevented they often begin to contract. 
But here, as before stated, nature makes provision for the change. 
Some gentlemen who are careful of their horses have driven them 
twenty years, and principally over the rough pavement of towns, 
without a day's lameness. Shoeing may be a necessary evil, but 
it is not the evil which many speculative persons have supposed 
it, and notwithstanding its effects, the foot ordinarily lasts longer 
than the legs ; nay, horsemen tell us that one pair of good feet is 
worth two pairs of legs. 

There is nothing in the appearance of the feet which would 
enable us to decide when contraction is or is not destructive to 
the usefulness of the animal ; his manner of going, and his capa- 
bility for work, must be our guides. Lameness usually accom- 
panies the beginning of contraction ; it is the invariable attendant 
on rapid contraction, but it does not always exist when the wir- 
ing in is slow, or of long standing. 

A very excellent writer, particularly when treating of the foot 
of the horse, Mr. Blaine, has given us a long and correct list of 
the causes of injurious contraction, and most of them are, fortu- 
nately, under the control of the owner of the animal. He places 
at the head of them, neglect of paring. The hoof is continually 
growing, the crust is lengthening, and the sole is thickening. 
This is a provision for the wear and tear of the foot in an unshod 
state ; but when it is protected by a shoe, and none of the horn 
can be worn away by coming in contact with the ground, and the 
growth of horn continues, the hoof grows high, and the sole gets 
thick, and, in consequence of this, the descent of the sole and the 
expansion of the heels are prevented, and contraction is the re- 
sult. The smith might lessen, if not prevent the evil, by care- 
fully thinning the sole and lowering the heels at each shoeing ; 
but the first of these is a matter of considerable labor, a>:d the 
second could not be done effectually without being accompanied 
by the first, and therefore they are both neglected. Owners 
should often stand by and see that this is properly done. 

Wearing the shoes too long, especially when nails are placed 
nearer than they should be to the quarters to make the shoes 
hold, is another cause of contraction. There is no rule which 
admits of so little exception as that, once in about every three 
weeks, the growth of horn which the natural wear of the loot 
cannot get rid of, should be pared away — the toe should be 
shortened in most feet — the sole should be thinned, and the heels 
lowered Every one who has carefully observed the shape of the 



CONTRACTION. 30CS 

horse's foot, must have seen that in proportion to its height 01 
neglected growth, it contracts and closes round the coronet. A 
low-heeled horse might have other serious defects, of which it 
will be our duty to speak, but he has seldom a contracted 
foot. 

Another source of contraction is the want of natural moisture. 
The hoof of the stable-horse kept from moisture becomes dry ami 
unelastic, and, consequently, is rendered more subject to this dis- 
ease. Hence the propriety of stopping the feet where there is 
the least tendency to contraction. The intelligent and careful 
groom will not omit it a single night. Cow-dung, with a small 
portion of clay to give it consistence, is a common and very good 
stopping. A better one is a piece of thick felt, cut to the shape 
of the sole, and soaked in water. The common stopping of tar 
and grease is peculiarly objectionable, for it closes the pores of 
the feet, and ultimately increases the dryness and brittleness 
which it was designed to remedy. 

Thrushes aid sometimes in producing contraction, but they are 
much oftener the consequence than the cause. 

The removal of the bars takes away a main impediment 
to contraction. Their use in assisting the expansion of the foot 
has been already stated, and should a disposition to contraction 
be produced by any other cause, the cutting away of the bars 
would hasten and aggravate the evil ; but the loss of the bar 
would not of itself produce contraction. 

The contraction, however, that is connected with permanent 
lameness, although increased by the circumstances which we 
have mentioned, usually derives its origin from a different source, 
and from one that acts violently and suddenly. Inflammation 
of the little plates covering the coffin-bone is the most usual 
cause ; and a degree of inflammation not sufficiently intense to 
be characterized as acute founder, but quickly leading to sad re- 
sults, may and does spring from causes almost unsuspected. 
Something may depend upon the breed. Blood-horses are partic- 
ularly liable to contraction. Not only is the foot naturally small, 
but it is disposed to become narrower at the heels. On the other 
hand, the broad, flat foot of the cart-horse is subject to diseases 
enough, but contraction is seldom one of the number. In horses 
of equal blood, not a little seems to depend upon the color, and 
the dark chestnut is proverbially prone to contraction. 

Whatever is the cause of that rapid contraction or narrowing 
of the heels which is accompanied by severe lameness, the symp- 
toms may ue easily distinguished. While standing in the stable, 
the horse will point with, or place forward, the contracted foot ; 
or if both feet are affected, he will alternately place one before 
the other. When he is taken out of the stable, his step will be 



310 CONTRACTION. 

pec uliarly short and quick, and the feet will be placed gently and 
tenderly on the ground, or scarcely lifted from it in the walk or 
the trot. It would seem as if the slightest irregularity of sur- 
face would throw the animal down, and so it threatens to do, tor 
he is constantly tripping and stumbling. If the fore-feet are care- 
fully observed, one or both of them will be narrowed across the 
quarters and towards the heels. In a few cases, the whole of the 
foot appears to be contracted and shrunk ; but in the majority 
of instances, while the heels are narrower, the foot is longer. 
The contraction appears sometimes in both heels : at other times 
in the inner heel only ; or, if both are affected, the inner one is 
wired in the most, either from the coronet to the base of the 
foot, or only or principally at the coronet — oftener near the 
base of the foot — but in most cases the hollow being greatest 
about mid-way between the coronet and the bottom of the foot. 
This irregularity on contraction, and uncertainty as to the place 
of it, prove that it is some internal disorganization, the seat of 
which varies with the portion of the attachment between the 
hoof and the foot that was principally strained or injured. In 
every recent case, the contracted part will be hotter than the rest 
of the foot, and the sole will, in the majority of cases, be unnatu- 
rally concave. 

Of the treatment of contraction attended with lameness, little 
that is satisfactory can be said. There have been various me- 
chanical contrivances, such as clips of a peculiar form, and a 
joiuted shoe, which, when the foot was softened, was gradually 
pressed asunder at the heels by a screw ; but all have proved of 
no avail, for the disease speedily returned when the ordinary shoe 
was again applied to enable the horse to work, and work was 
required of him. 

If the action of the horse is not materially impaired, it is bet- 
ter to let the contraction alone, be it as great as it will. If the 
contraction has evidently produced considerable lameness, the 
owner of the horse will have to calculate between his value, if 
cured, the expense of the cure, and the probability of failure. 

The medical treatment should alone be undertaken by a skil ill 
veterinary surgeon, and it will principally consist in abating any 
inflammation that may exist, by local bleeding and physic, 
paring the sole to the utmost extent that it will bear ; rasping 
the quarters as deeply as can be, without their being too much 
weakened, or the coronary ring (see b, Fig. 37), injured ; rasp- 
ing deeply likewise at the toe, and perhaps scoring at the toe 
The horse is afterwards made to stand during the day in wet 
clay, placed in one of the stalls. He is at night moved into 
another stall, and his feet bound up thickly in wet cloths ; or he 
is turned out into wet pasturage, with tips, or, if possible, with- 






NAVICULAR DISEASE. 311 

out them, and his feet are frequently pared out, and the quarters 
lightly rasped. In five or six months the horn will generally have 
grown down, when ha may be taken up, and shod with shoes un- 
attached by nails on the inner side of the foot, and put to gentle 
work. The foot will be found very considerably enlarged, and 
the owner will, perhaps, think that the cure is accomplished. 
The horse may, possibly, for a time stand very gentle work, and 
the inner side of the foot being left at liberty, its natural expan- 
sive process may be resumed : the internal part of the foot, how- 
ever, has not been healthily filled up with the expansion of the 
crust. If that expansion has been effected forward on the quar- 
ters, the crust will no longer be in contact with the lengthened 
and narrowed heels of the coffin-bone. Thore will not be the 
natural adhesion and strength, and a very slight cause, or even 
the very habit of contraction, will, in spite of all care and the 
freedom of the inner quarter, in very many instances, cause the 
foot to wire in again as badly as before.* 

THE NAVICULAR-JOTNT DISEASE. 

Many horses with well-formed and open feet become sadly and 
permanently lame, and veterinary surgeons have been puzzled to 
discover the cause. The farrier has had his convenient explana- 
tion " the shoulder ;" but the scientific practitioner may not have 
been able to discover an ostensible cause of lameness in the whole 
limb. There is no one accustomed to horses who does not recol- 
lect an instance of this. 

By reference to e, Fig. 37, it will be seen that, behind and 
beneath the lower pastern-bone, and behind and above the heel 
of the coffin-bone, is a small bone called the navicular or shuttle- 
bone. It is so placed as to strengthen the union between the 
lower pastern and the coffin-bone, and to enable the flexor tendon, 
which passes over it in order to be inserted into the bottom of 
the coffin-bone, to act with more advantage. It forms a kind 
of joint with that tendon. There is a great deal of weight 
thrown on the navicular-bone, and from the navicular-bone on 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — A vast amount of error has been writter in 
various books with regard to the subject of contraction. For our own 
parts, we believe that i.t is in the greater number of instances the conse- 
quence rather than the cause of lameness; and the dissection of a great 
number of diseased feet, has assured us that when lameness is present 
there is disease of the navicular joint, of the pressure of which there cannot 
be better proof than the symptom of pointing alluded to in the text. It 
is quite true that some horses will point from gait or habit, without anv dis- 
ease beinsj present; but when lameness exists, and the horse also points, 
we may take the latter symptom a* presumptive evidence that the case is 
one of navicular -joint disease. 



312 NAVICULAR DISEASE. 

the tendon ; and there is a great deal of motion or play be- 
tween them in the bending and extension of the pasterns. 

It is very easy to conceive that, from sudden concussion, or 
trom rapid and overstrained motion, and that, perhaps, after the 
animal has been sometime a trest, and the parts have not 
adapted themselves for motion, there may be too much play 
between the bone and the tendon — the delicate membrane 
which covers the bone, or the cartilage of the bone, may be 
bruised, and inflamed, and destroyed ; that all the painful effects 
of an inflamed and opened joint may ensue, and the horse be 
irrecoverably lame. Numerous dissections have shown that this 
joint, formed by the tendon and the bone, has been the frequent, 
and the almost invariable, seat of these obscure lamenesses. 
The membrane covering the cartilage of the bone has been 
found in an ulcerated state ; the cartilage has been ulcerated 
and eaten away ; the bone has become carious or decayed, and 
bony adhesions have taken place between the navicular and 
the pastern and the coffin-bones, and this part of the foot has 
often become completely disorganized and useless. This joint is 
probably the seat of lameness, not only in well-formed feet, but 
in those which become lame after contraction. 

The cure of navicular disease is difficult and uncertain. The 
first and all-important point is, the removal of the inflammation 
in this very susceptible membrane. Local bleeding, poulticing, 
and physic will be our principal resources. If there is contrac- 
tion, this must, if possible, be removed by the means already 
pointed out. If there is no contraction, it will nevertheless be 
prudent to get rid of all surrounding pressure, and to unfetter, as 
much as possible, the inside heel of the coffin-bone, by paring 
the sole and rasping the quarters, and using the shoe without 
nails on the inner quarter, and applying cold poultices to the 
coronet and the whole of the foot. This is a case, however, 
which must be turned over to the veterinary surgeon, for he 
alone, from his knowledge of the anatomy of the foot, and the 
precise seat of the disease, is competent to treat it. If attacked 
on its earliest appearance, and before ulceration of the mem- 
brane of the joint has taken place, it may be radically cured : 
but ulceration of the membrane will be with difficulty healed, 
and decay of the bone will for ever remain. 

Blistering the coronet will often assist in promoting a cure by 
diverting the inflammation to another part, and it will materially 
qunkeii the growth of the horn. A seton passed through the 
frog by a skilful operator, and approaching as nearly as possible 
to the seat of disease, has been serviceable. 

Neurotomy (see p. 86) may be profitably resorted to in this 
disease, but if the lameness is extreme, either with or without 



NOTE BY MR SPOONER. 31 7 

• 

contraction, and especially if there is heat about the foot, the 
operation is dangerous. There is, probably, ulceration of the 
membrane — possibly, decay of the bone ; and the additions 
friction to which the parts would be subjected, by the freer ac- 
tion of the horse, the sense of pain being removed, would cause 
that ulceration or decay to proceed more rapidly until the fool 
would be completely disorganized, or the tendon would be gradu- 
ally worn through by rubbing against the roughened surface ol 
the bone.* 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Navicular-joint disease is one of the most fre 
quent lamenesses by which the horse is afflicted, and one of the most insidi 
ous and incurable. It sometimes comes on suddenly from a sudden jar or 
strain, and then the lameness is often very severe, and there is no contraction 
previous to the lameness, although afterwards, from the pointing of the foot, 
and the consequent absence of the usual weight upon it, contraction is sure 
to follow; more frequently, however, this disease is gradual in its approach, 
the horse points previous to the lameness, and, if the foot is attentively exam- 
ined, contraction in some degree will be discovered. Thus the symptoms 
are Lameness, Pointing, and Contraction, each of which demands separate 
consideration, in order that we may understand the true nature of this very 
deceptive disease, and the more so as it has not been treated at muchlengdi 
in the text. 

The Lameness. — The degree of lameness in navicular disease admits of a 
variety of shades. In some cases we find it manifested the first hundred 
yards only ; in some it may continue for a mile or two and then go off; in 
others, again, it may continue throughout a journey, but not so severely a* at 
first. This circumstance is common to some other lamenesses, but not so 
uniformly the case as in navicular disease. So important a symptom is it 
that, on ascertaining its existence, it of itself leads us strongly to suspect the 
nature of the lameness. It is customary to say of a groggy horse, " Oh ! he 
will go sound enough when he gets a little warm." This peculiarity, which 
is common to many lamenesses, but more particularly to the navicular dis- 
ease, is ascribed to the attention of the horse being called away from the in- 
jured part: this in a great measure is the case, but we must add that, in the 
disease in question, the secretion of synovia becomes increased by exercise, 
and the horse is enabled so to dispose his weight as to rest but very lightly 
on the injured joint. In some cases the lameness is so slight that the utmo4 
tact of the practitioner is required to detect it: or the horse may show it on 
the stones and go sound on gravel. Should the horse be slightly lame m 
both feet the difficulty is still greater, and he may go a long time in this state 
before the owner thinks him actually lame. # When both feet are thus 
equally affected, however, the action of the horse becomes altered in propor- 
tion to the extent of mischief; he no longer bends the knee with the same 
freedom as before, his action becomes shorter, the heels of the foot scarcely 
touch the ground, and the shoe will exhibit the toe almost worn away, whilst 
the heels continue undiminished in thickness. These circumstances, whether 
one leg or both be affected, will at all times materially assist our diagnosis. 
After the disease has existed in both feet for a considerable period, the horse 
brings his hind-legs under his body, and makes them sustain the greater 
part of his weight, and in the stable he almost constantly hes down. 

Pointing. — We should be cautious of giving an opinion of the cause of 
lameness until we have seen the horse in the stable, where, if there be any 
doubt of the matter, we should leave him for a while un listurbed. In many 

H 



314 NOTE BY MR. SPOONER. 

cases, on asking the question, " Does the horse point ?" the groom will reply 
" Oh yes, he has done so for a long time." The ascertainment of the length 
of this time will inform us how long the disease has been coming on. In 
other cases, on asking the same question, we are told he never points. The 
former reply we may generally depend on, but the latter we must newt- 
trust to ; for, unless the lame foot is thrust out nearly a yard in front of the 
other, the groom does not consider that the horse points. In a case of this 
sort (supposing all the time that it is. one of navicular disease,) we shall 
probably find, on noticing the horse, that the affected foot is advanced in sumo 
degree beyond the other, that there is very little weight resting on it, and 
none whatever on the heels. In navicular disease the horse always, or at 
least in ninety-nine cases in a hundred, points, either little or much, although 
it may be unnoticed by the attendants ; it is, indeed, one of the most striking 
characteristics of the disease. We must not, however, always conclude that 
because a horse points he must necessarily have the disease, although in ihe 
majority of instances we may expect its approach, either early or late ; but 
some horses have been known to point for years without going lame : either 
the horse has pointed from habit, or the alteration of structure in the foot 
may be sufficient to occasion pointing, and yet by careful treatment prevent- 
ed from being so bad as to produce lameness. Some persons, having wit- 
nessed a case in which a horse may have pointed for a lengthened period 
without being lame, immediately conclude that it is of no consequence, thus 
confidently drawing an inference from the narrow limits of their own expe- 
rience, and allowing it to influence their conduct. We may, however, safely 
aver that pointing, if a habit, is, at best, a wretched bad one, having so much 
the semblance of disease ; and from its so frequently being the precursor 
of lameness, it materially lessens the value of an animal. 

If a horse is lame and points, must we necessarily conclude that he has 
navicular disease? No; he may point from corns or from other injury at 
the posterior part of the foot, but then this pointing is different from that of 
navicular disease. In the latter the foot is generally set out straight ; in the 
former it is not extended so far, but the heels are more elevated. In the 
former, the animal having put his foot in the easiest position, turns his atten- 
tion to other objects, whilst in the latter the solicitude of the horse is evidently 
directed more continually to the part, and if a horse points from corns, the 
lameness and pain are unusually severe. 

Contraction. — This is a symptom that, either generally or partially, we 
usually find attending navicular disease. It is, however, by no means uni- 
versally the case ; indeed we occasionally find navicular lameness without 
any contraction, and, on the other hand, quite as frequently extensive con- 
traction without any lameness whatever. Contraction is more frequently the 
consequence than the cause of lameness, arising, as it does most commonly, 
from resting or favoring the foot which the lameness induces. There are dif- 
ferent sorts as well as different degrees of contraction. Putting aside the 
natural oblong narrow mule's»shape foot, which often exists through life un 
attended with lameness, we may have the heels drawn in, the crust and bars 
approaching with scarcely any space in the commissures, and the frog much 
diminished, hard, dry, and preternaturally elevated. In other cases the con- 
traction may be only on one side, or the foot may appear altogether free 
from contraction, which may be only found to exist by comparing it with the 
other foot. There are other cases in which there may be no apparent con 
traction, and yet the parts are by no means in a natural or proper position 
the horny sole is preternaturally arched and thick, and the consequence is 
the navicular joint is driven up higher in the horny box, and instead of ha*" 
ing a comparatively flat and elastic surface to repose on, it has a hard fei 
yielding ridge formed by the commissures. 



NOTE BY MR. SPOONER. 315 

Having given the leading symptoms attending the disease, it would be 
well perhaps, here to mention the morbid appearances of the joint which ac- 
company them, and which post-mortem examinations of the malady in its 
different stages, exhibit. Among some morbid specimens in my possession, 
on«- merely shows a slight indentation ou the ridge of the navicular-bone, and 
when recent the corresponding portion of the sinew was roughened. The 
horse had pointed a long time prior to his death, and was lame for a mile or 
so on first going off. 

Anothe: specimen exhibits holes in the navicular-bone somewhat like a ca- 
rious tooth, together with very diminutive bone deposits on different parts 
of the surface of the bone. The mare to which it had belonged had been 
lame for several years in both feet, which were much contracted, and got 
gradually worse until she was only fit to go to plough. 

Another case developes still greater disease on both navicular-bones, 
which are ulcerated in a great degree, and present also numerous long spiculi 
on their corticular surface, besides which there is an ossification of the infe- 
rior cartilage, so that although the bones have been boiled the navicular- 
bone rests securely on the ossified parts, which must therefore have materi- 
ally saved the diseased tendon. The bones had belonged to a very old horse 
and favorite hunter, that had been lame for many years, and had conse- 
quently been used for agricultural labor. 

Another morbid specimen is that of the feet of an old horse that had been 
groggy for some years. The navicular bones in both feet were closely united 
to the flexor tendons, and on tearing them apart the fibres of the sinew were 
lacerated ; the greater part of the posterior surface of these bones was de- 
nuded of cartilage, and presented a rough appearance, and the bones them- 
selves were situated higher up in the hoof than natural, assuming a mor« 
vertical or less horizontal position. Although this was the position of the 
bones, yet the foot by a common observer would have been pronounced 
well-shaped ; the sole, however, I found enormously thick. 

From a review of the various circumstances which attend the domestica- 
tion of the horse, we may, I thiuk, justly conclude that most of them operate 
in inducing the disease in question. The foot in its natural state has a dis- 
position to contract when at rest, and expand when pressed upon. In a 
weak foot there is a greater tendency to spread than contract, but in a strong 
one we may consider these two antagonist principles as equivalent to each 
other. When," however, the horse becomes domesticated, every means is 
used to aid the contraction and to neutralize the disposition to expansion. 
The shoe is nailed to the foot when the latter is in its most contracted state, 
and the horse is confined in a stall the greater part of the day. On a 
sudden he is taken out of the stable, and, without having prepared his joints 
and limbs by preliminary exercise, he is driven as fast a-^ he can trot for the 
space of an hour or upwards, on the hard road, and then duriug the remain- 
der of the twenty-four hours consigned to the stable. What is the result of 
this unnatural system? By the joint effects of the shoe, hot litter, an ' 
standing in the stable so long, the foot so contracts that the sole is dr a 
upwards, and with it the navicular-bone, which thus, as we have befo no- 
ticed, has a hard unyielding substance to rest upon; and the joint laving 
been in a quiescent state for many hours, there is probably a diminished se 
cretion of synovia (joint oil). In this unprepared state the feet are batterea 
on the hard road,* and the result is in many cases a bruise of the synovial 
membrane, which may either be sufficient to produce sudden and severe 
lameness, or so moderate as to occasion the slightest lameness only. 

* The reader will bear in mind that Mr. Spooner speaks of the l«ard metal road9 of 
England. Our roads, hard only when they are Hry, do not prodr.ee ihese effects in a so 
great degree. — Am. Ed. 



316 NOTE BY MR. SPOONED - 

So far as ray experience goes, horses used for racing are not so often af- 
fected as others, and this circumstance must, I think, be attributed to the 
fact of their taking a great deal of exercise on the soft ground, where the 
various parts of the feet meet the soil. They are not taken out of the stable 
and compelled to proceed at once with speed, but even during severe train- 
ing are first walked for a considerable period before they take their gallops, 
which thus gradually prepares the joints for the severer exertions they are 
about to perform. Hunters, too, as we have before remarked, although ex- 
posed to sudden concussions and severe exertions, more perhaps than any 
other horses, are yet much more exempt from the disease than horses used 
on the road. How is this, but because they take much walking exercise 
every day, and particularly on the day of hunting, before their severe exer- 
tions commence, and these exertions are taken, in great measure, on the soft 
soil, where the frog, bars, and sole all meet the ground, and greatly assist in 
diminishing concussion and preserving the feet in a healthy state. It is a 
fact, too. that few will gainsay who have made extensive observations, that 
when hunters are affected with navicular disease, it is much more frequently 
than with other horses, attended by sudden and acute lameness : the horse 
goes out perfectly sound and comes home dead lame. 

From these circumstances >ve are disposed to draw the following conclu- 
sions : — 

First — That navicular lameness may be produced suddenly by a bruise 
on the synovial membrane, without any predisposing cause existing, but 
that this is by no means frequent. 

Secondly — That well-bred horses with strong feet are most subject to the 
disease. 

Thirdly — That the lameness is usually preceded by an alteration in the 
structure of the foot, whereby the navicular-bone is somewhat displaced, and 
has a hard unyielding surface to rest on instead of an elastic cushion. 

Fourthly — That this contraction may be either apparent or obscure. 

Fifthly — That in feet thus contracted the lameness itself is yet produced 
by a sudden bruise. 

Sixthly — That contraction is not a direct cause of lameness itself, although 
usually considered so by authors, inasmuch as the dissection of morbid feet 
clearly developes the disease elsewhere ; but that, although not an exciting 
cause, it is yet a predisposing agent. 

Seventhly — That contraction is more frequently a consequence than a 
cause of lameness, being produced by any circumstance that induces the 
horse to abstain from bearing his weight upon the foot. 

Treatment. — In endeavoring to cure the navicular disease, much, indeed 
almost everything, will depend on the length of time the horse has been 
lame. If the lameness came on suddenly, and but a short time has elapsed, 
we may then set about our treatment with a reasonable prospect of success ; 
but if, on the other hand, the mischief has been slowly coming on, and pre 
ceded by pointing for some time, we may then afford some palliation, but a 
permanent cure we are seldom able to accomplish. In seeking a remedy 
our endeavors should be directed, first, to the removal of the inflammation 
in the joint ; and, secondly, to the restoration of the various parts of the 
foot to their natural and proper position. If the injury has been suddenly 
produced our treatment will be principally confined to antiphlogistic 
measures. 

The shoe being removed, the foot must be pared out and the sole thinned, 
more particularly that part opposite the navicular joint ; the commissures 
should also be well cut out and thinned. This being done the foot must be 
bled freely from tlie toe; four quarts of blood may be taken, and the foot 
should then be placed in a linseed-meal poultice, or one made of bran ^nd 



sand-ckack. 3t7 

meaL The poultice should be wetted several times and changed once s 
day, and the bleeding may be repeated in the course of a few days, if re- 
quired. The poultice is to be continued for eight or ten days, and then, 
when the utmost benefit has been derived from it that it is capable of 
affording, we may have recourse to counter irritation. 

The importance of venesection in every case of navicular disease must 
be apparent to every one, for there can be no case requiring treatment but 
what muse be attended with some degree of inflammation, and in some 
cases the injury may be confined to inflammation alone. Where we have 
reason to infer that such is the case we may indeed confine our treatment to 
the bleeding and poulticing. The benefit of poultice is inferior only to 
blooddetting. It softens the horn, changing it from a hard, dry, and almost 
inelastic substance, to a soft, yielding, and elastic material. The degree of 
paring that may be necessary must depend upon the alteration of structure 
that has taken place in the foot. 

Having pushed our antiphlogistic (tending to reduce inflammation) treat 
ment as far as we well can, we may next seek the aid of counter-irritation. 
Shall we blister the coronet, or insert a frog seton? The latter is, I think, 
in every respect preferable ; we create artificial inflammation and suppura- 
tion very near the seat of the disease, and we may keep this up almost as 
long as we please ; a month, however, of active suppuration is generally long 
enough. The only objection to the seton is that the horse must be kept in 
the stable; he cannot be turned out, or into a soft, moist place during the 
time it remains in the foot. Before the seton is inserted, a shoe should be 
placed on the foot, nailed on the outside quarter only, which will much 
assist the expansion of the foot. By the judicious employment of the treat- 
ment we have recommended, varied or modified according to the nature 
of the case, we may in many instances effect a cure ; but a love of truth 
obliges us to confess, that in a majority of cases, taking them as they come, 
no treatment will succeed. In chronic cases of navicular disease, in which 
there is no probability of effecting a cure, and but little of relieving the ani- 
mal to any considerable extent, we have to determine whether we shall 
work the animal lame (if he is able to work at all), or remove sensation 
from the feet by the operation of neurotomy. It is a matter of much con- 
sequence that when a horse is submitted to the preceding course of treat- 
ment, every chance should be given it by allowing a long rest, viz., from 
two to four months. 

SAND-CRACK. 

This, as its name imports, is a crack or division of the hoof 
from above downward, and into which sand and dirt are too apt 
to insinuate themselves. It is so called, because it most fre- 
quently occurs in sandy districts, the heat of the sand applied to 
the feet giving them a disposition to crack. It occurs both in 
the fore and the hind feet. In the fore feet it is usually found 
in the inner quarter (see g, Fig. 41), but occasionally in the outer 
quarter, because there is the principal stress or effort towards 
expansion in the foot, and the inner quarter is weaker than the 
outer. In the hind feet the crack is almost invariably found in 
the front, because in the digging of the toe into the ground in the 
act of drawing, the principal stress is in front. 

This is a most serious defect. It indicates a brittleness of the 



318 SAND-CRACK. 

crust, sometimes natural, but oftener the consequence of mis 
management or disease, which, in spite of every means adopted^ 
will probably be the source of future annoyance. On a hoof 
that has once been thus divided, no dependence can be placed, 
unless, by great care, the natural suppleness of the horn has 
been restored and is retained. 

Sand-crack may happen in an instant, from a false step or 
over-exertion, and therefore a horse, although he may spring a 
sand-crack within an hour after the purchase, cannot be returned 
on that account. 

The crack sometimes does not penetrate through the horn. It 
then causes no lameness ; nevertheless, it must not be neglected. 
It shows that there is brittleness, which should induce the pur- 
chaser to pause ; and, if proper means are not taken, it will 
generally soon penetrate to the quick. It should be pared or 
rasped fairly out, and if the paring or rasping has been deep 
the loot should be strengthened by a coating of pitch, with coarse 
tape bound over it, and a second coating of pitch covering this. 

If the crack has penetrated through the crust, and lameness 
has ensued, the case is more serious. It must be carefully ex- 
amined, in order to ascertain that no dirt or sand has got into 
it ; the edges must be more considerably thinned, and if any 
fungus (proud-flesh) is beginning to protrude through the crack, 
and is imprisoned there, it must be destroyed by the application 
of the butyr (chloride) of antimony. This is preferable to the 
cautery (hot-iron) because the edges of the horn will not be 
thickened or roughened, and thus become a source of after-irri- 
tation. The firing iron must then be run deeply across, above, 
and below the crack ; a pledget of dry tow being placed in the 
crack, in and over it, and the whole bound down as tightly as 
possible. On the third day the part should be examined, and 
the caustic again applied, if necessary : but if the crack is dry, 
and defended by a hard horny crust, the sooner the pitch plaster 
is put on the better. 

The most serious case is, when, from tread or neglect, the 
coronet is divided. The growth of horn proceeds from the 
coronary ligament, and unless this ligament is sound, the horn 
will grow down disunited. The method to be here adopted, is 
to run the back of the firing-iron over the coronet where it is 
divided. Some inflammation will ensue ; and when the scab 
produced by the cautery peels off, as it will in a few days, 
the division will be obliterated, and sound and united horn 
will grow down. When there is sufficient horn above the 
crack, a horizontal line should be drawn with a firing-iron 
between the sound horn and the crack. The connexion between 
the sound part and the crack will thus be prevented, and the 



TREAD AND over-reach. 3 I 'J 

i. v vw horn will gradually aud safely descend, but the horse should 
not be used until sufficient horn has grown down fairly to isolate 
the crack. When the horn is divided at the coronet, it will be 
five or six months before it will grow fairly down, and not 
before that, should the animal be used even lor ordinary work. 
When, however, the horn is grown an inch from the coronet, 
the horse may be turned out — the foot being well defended by 
the pitch plaster, and that renewed as often as it becomes loose 
— a bar-shoe being worn, chambered so as not to press upon the 
hoof immediately under the crack, and that shoe being taken 
off, the sole pared out, and any bulbous projection of new horn 
being removed once in every three weeks. 

To remedy the undue brittleness of the hoof, there is no better 
application than that recommended in page 304, the sole being 
covered at the same time with the common cow-dung, or felt 
stopping. # 

TREAD AND OVER-REACH. 

Under these terms are comprised bruises and wounds of the 
coronet, inflicted by the other leet. 

A tread is said to have taken place, when the inside of the 
coronet of one hind foot is struck by the calkin of the shoe of 
the other, and a bruised or contused wound is inflicted. 

A tread, or wound of the coronet, must never be neglected, 
lest gravel should insinuate itself into the wound, and form deep 
ulcerations, called sinuses or pipes, and which constitute quitter. 
Although some mildly stimulating caustic may be occasionally 
required, the caustic, too frequently used by farriers, should be 
carefully avoided, not only lest quittor should be formed, but lest 
the coronary ligament should be so injured as to be afterwards 
incapable of secreting perfect horn. When properly treated, a 
tread is seldom productive of much injury. If the dirt is well 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — When lameness attends sand-crack, it is owing 
to the crack extending from the horn to the quick above. If the horse is 
worked on, this injury is repeated again and again until the coronary sub- 
stance becomes so injured as to produce a false quarter. When a horse 
throws out a sand-crack he must be rested a month or more in order to 
effect a cure, to do which effectually the foot should be poulticed for a 
week in order to encourage the growth of horn, and the coronet for the 
same reason may be stimulated. In the course of a month the sound horn 
will be grown down for the space of a quarter of an inch, and then, and 
not till then, the firing-iron should be drawn transversely above the crack, 
so as to cut off the communication between the fissure and the sound horn 
above, which will gradually grow down. A plaster of pitch or shoe- 
maker's wax may then be placed on the crack, and a strap fastened round 
the mot, so as to prevent too much motion taking place. A bar-shoe is indis- 
oensable, in order that the weak quarter may be secured from the pressure. 



"320 FALSE QUARTER. 

washed out of it, and a pledget of tow, dipped in Friar's balsam 
hound over the wound, it will in the majority of cases, speed 
lly heal. Should the bruise be extensive, or the wound deep, a poul- 
tice may be applied for one or two days, and then the Friar's bal- 
sam, or digestive ointment. Sometimes a soft tumour will form on 
the part, which will be quickly brought to suppuration by a poul- 
tice ; and when the matter has run out, the ulcer will heal by the 
application of the Friar's balsam, or a weak solution of blue vitrol. 

An over-reach is a tread upon the heel of the coronet of the 
fore foot by the shoe of the corresponding hind foot, and either 
inflicted by the toe, or by the inner edge of the inside of the 
shoe. The preventive treatment is the bevelling, or rounding 
off, of the inside edge or rim of the hind shoes. The cure is, the 
cutting away of the loose parts, the application of Friar's bal- 
sam, and protection from the dirt. 

Some horses, particularly young ones, overreach so as to 
strike the toes of the hind shoes against the fore ones, which is 
termed clinking. Keeping up the head of the horse does some- 
thing to prevent this ; but the smith may do more by shortening 
the toe of the hind shoes, and having the web broad. When 
they are too long, they are apt to be torn off — when too narrow. 
the hind foot may bruise the sole of the fore one, or may be 
locked fast between the branches of the fore shoe. 

FALSE QUARTER. 

If the coronary ligament, by which the horn of the crust is 
secreted, is divided by some cut or bruise, or eaten through by 
any caustic, there will occasionally be a division in the horn as 
it grows down, either in the form of a permanent sand-crack, or 
one portion of the horn overlapping the other. It occasionally 
follows neglected sand-crack, or it may be the consequence . t' 
quittor. This is exteriorly an evident fissure in the horn, isnd 
extending from the coronet to the sole, but not always pene- 
trating to the laminae. It is a very serious defect, and exceed- 
ingly difficult to remedy ; for occasionally, if the horse is over 
weighted or hurried on his journey, the fissure will open and 
bleed, and very serious inconvenience and lameness may ensue. 
Grit and dirt may insinuate itself into the aperture, and peue- 
irate to the sensible laminae. Inflammation will almost of ne- 
c essrity be produced ; and much mischief will be effected. While 
the energies of the animal are not severely taxed, he may not ex- 
perience much inconvenience or pain ; but the slightest exertion 
will cause the fissure to expand, and painful lameness to follow 
The coronary ligament must be restored to its perfect state ; 
or at least to the discharge of its perfect function. Much dange* 



QULTTOR. 321 

would attend the application of the caustic in order to effect 
this. A blister is rarely sufficiently active : but the application, 
not too severely, of a heated flat or rounded iron to the coronet 
at the injured part affords the best chance of success — the edges 
of the horn on either side of the crack being thinned, the hoof 
supported, and the separated parts held together by a firm 
encasement of pitch, as described when speaking of the treat- 
ment of sand-crack. The coronet must be examined at least 
once in every fortnight, in order to ascertain whether the desired 
union has taken place ; and, as a palliative during the treatment 
of the case, or if the treatment should be unsuccessful, a bar- 
shoe may be used, and care taken that there be no bearing at 
or immediately under the separation of the horn. This will be 
best effected, when the crust is thick and the quarters strong, 
by paring off a little of the bottom of the crust at the part, so 
that it will not touch the shoe ; but if the foot is weak, an in- 
dentation or hollow should be made in the shoe. Strain or con- 
cussion on the immediate part will thus be avoided, and, in 
sudden or violent exertion, the crack will not be so likely to 
extend upward to the coronet, when whole and sound horn has 
beffun to be formed there. 



QUITTOR. 

This has been described as being the result of neglected or bad 
tread or over-reach ; but it may be the consequence of any wound 
in the foot, and in any part of the foot. In the natural process 
)f ulceration, matter is thrown out from the wound. It precedes 
the actual healing of the part. The matter which is secreted in 
wounds of the foot is usually pent up there, and, increasing in 
quantity, and urging its way in every direction, it forces the little 
fleshy plates of the coffin-bone, from the horny ones of the crust 
or the homy sole from the fleshy sole, or even eats deeply into the 
internal parts of the foot. These pipes or sinuses run in every 
direction, and constitute the essence of quittor. 

If it arises from a wound in the bottom of the foot, the aper 
ture may speedily close up, and the matter which continues to be 
secreted is confined within, separating the horny from the fleshy 
i ole, until it forces its way upward and appears at the coronet 
(usually at the quarter) and there slowly oozes out. The open- 
ing and the quantity of matter discharged are so small, that al- 
though over a great part of the quarter and sole the horn may 
have separated from the coffin-bone, and the matter may have 
penetrated even under the cartilages and ligaments, and into the 
coffin-joint, but little mischief would be suspected by an unexpe- 
•21 n 



322 QUJTTOIt. 

rienced person. The pressure of the matter wherever it has gone 
has formed ulcerations that are indisposed to heal, and that re- 
quire the application of strong and painful stimulants to induce 
them to heal ; and, worse than this, the horn, once separated from 
the sensible parts beneath, will never again unite with them, 
(duittor may occur in both the fore and the hind feet. 

It may be necessary to remove much of the horny sole, which 
will be speedily reproduced when the fleshy surface beneath can 
be brought to a healthy condition ; but if much of the horn at 
the quarters must be taken away, five or six months may proba- 
bly elapse before it will be sufficiently grown down again to ren- 
der the horse useful. 

Measures of considerable severity are indispensable. The ap- 
plication of some caustic will alone produce a healthy action on 
the ulcerated surfaces ; but on the ground of interest and of hu- 
manity, we protest against that brutal practice, or at least the 
extent to which it is carried, and is pursued by many ignorant 
smiths, of coring out, or deeply destroying the healthy as well as 
the diseased parts — and parts which no process will again restore. 
When any portion of the bone can be felt by the probe, the 
chances of success are diminished, and the owner and the opera- 
tor should pause. When the joints are exposed, the case is hope- 
less, although, in a great many instances, the bones and the joints 
are exposed by the remedy and not by the disease. One hint 
may not be necessary to the practitioner, but it may guide the 
determination and hopes of the owner ; if, when a probe is intro 
duced into the fistulous on the coronet, the direction of the sinu- 
ses or pijjes is backward, there is much probability that a perfect 
cure may be effected ; but if the direction of the sinuses is for- 
ward, the cure is at best doubtful. In the first instance, there is 
neither bone nor joint to be injured ; in the other, the more im- 
portant parts of the foot are in danger, and the principal action 
and concussion are found. 

Neglected bruises of the sole sometimes lay the foundation for 
quittor. When the foot is flat, it is very liable to be bruised if 
the horse is ridden fast over a rough and stony road ; or, a small 
stone, insinuating itself between the shoe and the sole, or con- 
fined by the curvature of the shoe, will frequently lame the horse. 
The heat and tenderness of the part, the occasional redness of the 
horn, and the absence of puncture, will clearly mark the bruise. 
The sole must then be thinned, and particularly over the bruised 
part, and, in neglected cases, it must be pared even to the quick, 
in order to ascertain whether the inflammation has run on to 
suppuration. Bleeding at the toe will be clearly indicated ; and 
poultices, and such other means as have either been described 
under " Inflammation of the Feet," or will be pointed out undej 



corns. 327 

touches the horn at this point ; and thus, before the horse has 
been shod a fortnight, the shoe rests on this angle, and produces 
corns. The use of a shoe for the fore feet, thickened at the heels, 
is, and especially in weak feet, a source of corns, from the undue 
nearing there is on the heels, and the concussion to which they 
ire subject. 

Corns are most frequent and serious in horses with thin horn 
Hind flat soles, and low weak heels. They do not often occur in 
:he outside heel. It is of a stronger construction than the inside 
^ne. The method adopted by shoeing-smiths to ascertain the 
existence of corn by the pain evinced when they pinch the bar 
and crust with their irons, is very fallacious. If the horn is 
naturally thin, the horse will shrink under no great pressure al- 
though he has no corn, and occasionally the bars are so strong as 
not to give way under any pressure. 

The cure of old corns is difficult ; for as all shoeing has some 
tendency to produce pressure here, the habit of throwing out this 
diseased horn is difficult to get rid of when once contracted ; re- 
cent corns, however, will yield to good shoeing. 

The first thing to be done is well to pare out the angle between 
the crust and the bars. Two objects are answered by this : the 
extent of the disease will be ascertained, and one cause of it re- 
moved. A very small drawing-knife must be used for this pur- 
pose. The corn must be pired out to the very bottom, taking 
care not to wound the sole. It may then be discovered whether 
there is any effusion of blood or matter underneath. If this is 
suspected, an opening must be made through the horn, the mat- 
ter evacuated, the separated horn taken away, the course and 
extent of the sinuses explored, and the treatment recommended 
for quittor adopted. Should there be no collection of fluid, the 
butyr of antimony should be applied over the whole extent of the 
corn, after the horn has been thinned as closely as possible. The 
object of this is to stimulate the sole to throw out more healthy 
horn. In bad cases a bar-shoe may be put on, so chambered, 
that there shall be no pressure on the diseased part. This may 
be worn for one or two shoeings, but not constantly, for there 
are few frogs that would bear the constant pressure of the bar- 
shoe ; and the want of pressure on the heel, generally occasioned 
by their use, would produce a softened and bulbous state of the 
heels, that would of itself be an inevitable source of lameness. 

The cause of corn is a most important subject of inquiry, and 
which a careful examination of the foot and the shoe will easily 
discover. The cause being ascertained, the effect may, to a great 
extent, be afterwards removed. Turning out to grass, after the 
horn is a little grown, first with a bar-shoe, and afterwards with 
the shoe fettered on one side, or vith tips, will often be service- 



328 THRUSH 

able. A horse that has once had corns to any considerable ex- 
tent should, at every shoeing, have the seat of com well pared 
out, and the butyr of antimony applied. The seated shoe (here- 
after to be described) should be used, with a web sufficiently 
thick to cover the place of corn, and extending as far back as it 
can be made to do without injury to the frog. 

Low weak heeis should be rarely touched with the knife, or 
anything more be done to them than lightly to rasp them, in 
order to give them a level surface. Where corns exist of any 
consequence, they are a disgrace to the smith, the groom, and t6 
the owner. 

THRUSH. 

This is a discharge of offensive matter from the cleft of the 
frog. It is inflammation of the lower surface of the sensible frog, 
and during which pus is secreted together with, or instead of 
horn. When the Irog is in its sound state, the cleft sinks but a 
little way into it ; but when it becomes contracted or otherwise 
diseased, it extends in length, and penetrates even to the sensible 
horn within, and through this unnaturally deepened fissure the 
thrushy discharge proceeds. A very full and fleshy state of the 
body may be a predisposing cause of thrush, but the immediate 
and grand cause is moisture. This should never be forgotten, for 
it will lead a great way towards the proper treatment of the dis- 
ease. If the feet are habitually covered with any moist applica- 
tion — his standing so much on his own dung is a fair example — 
thrush will inevitably appear. It is caused by anything that in- 
terferes with the healthy structure and action of the frog. We 
find it in the hinder feet oftener and worse than in the fore, be- 
cause in our stable management the hinder feet are too much 
exposed to the pernicious erlects of the dung and the urine, moist- 
ening, or as it were macerating, and at the same time irritating 
them. 

In the fore-feet, thrushes are usually connected with contrac- 
tion. We have stated that they are both the cause and the 
eflect of contraction. The pressure on the frog from the wiring 
in of the heels will produce pain and inflammation ; and the 
inflammation, by the increased heat and suspended function of 
the part, will dispose to contraction. Horses of all ages, and in 
almost all situations, are subject to thrush. The unshod colt is 
frequently thus diseased. 

Thrushes are net always accompanied by lameness. In a grea*: 
many cases the appearance of the foot is scarcely, or not at all 
altered, and the disease can only be detected by close examina- 
tion, or the peculiar smell of the discharge. The frog may not 



THRUSH. 329 

appear to be rendered in the slightest degree tender b\, it. and 
therefore the horse may not be considered by many as unound. 
Every disease, however, should be considered as legal unsound- 
ness, and especially a disease which, although not attended with 
present detriment, must not be neglected, for it will eventually 
injure and lame the horse. 

The pi ogress of a neglected thrush, although sometimes slow, 
is sure. The frog begins to contract in size — it becomes rough, 
ragged, brittle, tender — the discharge is more copious and more 
offensive — the horn gradually disappears — a mass of hardened 
mucus usurps its place — this easily peels off, and the sensible frog 
remains exposed — the horse cannot bear it to be touched — fun- 
gous granulations spring from it — they spread around — the sole 
becomes under-run, and canker steals over the greater part of 
the foot. 

If a young colt, fat and full of blood, has a bad thrush, with 
much discharge, it will be prudent to accompany the attempt at 
cure by a dose of physic or a course of diuretics. A few diuretics 
may not be injurious when we are endeavoring to dry up thrush 
in older horses. 

There are many recipes to stop a ruiming thrush. Almost 
every application of an astringent, but not of too caustic nature, 
will have the effect. The common iEgyptiacum (vinegar boiled 
with honey and verdigris) is a good liniment ; but the most 
effectual and the safest — drying up the discharge speedily, but 
not suddenly — is a paste composed of blue vitriol, tar, and 
lard, in proportions according to the virulence of the canker. A 
pledget of tow, covered with it, should be introduced as deeply 
as possible, yet without force, into the cleft of the frog every 
night, and removed in the morning before the horse goes to work. 
Attention should at the same time, as in other diseases of the 
foot, be paid to the apparent cause of the complaint, and that 
sause should be carefully obviated or removed. Before tha 
application of the paste, the frog should be examined, and every 
loose part of the horn or hardened discharge removed ; and if 
much of the frog is then exposed, a larger and wider piece of tow, 
covered with the paste, may be placed over it, in addition to the 
pledget introduced into the cleft of the frog. It will be neces- 
sary to preserve the frog moist while the cure is in progress, and 
this may be done by filling the feet with tow, covered by com- 
mon stopping, or using the felt pad, likewise covered with it. 
Turning out, w T ould be prejudicial rather than of benefit to 
clirushy feet, except the dressing is continued, and the feet de- 
fended from moisture. 



330 CANKER. 



J ANKER 



Is a separation of the horn from the sensible part of the foot, and 
the sprouting of the fungous matter (proud-flesh) instead of it, oc- 
cupying a portion or even the whole of the sole and frog. It is 
the occasional consequence of bruise, puncture, corn, quittor, and 
thrush, and is exceedingly difficult to cure. It is more fre- 
quently the consequence of neglected thrush than of any other 
disease of the foot, or rather it is thrush involving the frog-, the 

* OCT' 

bars, and the sole, and making the foot in one mass of rank 
putrefaction. 

It is often found in, and is almost peculiar to, the heavy breed of 
cart-horses, and partly resulting from constitutional predisposition. 
Horses with white legs and thick skins, and much hair upon 
their legs — the very character of many dray-horses — are subject 
to canker, especially if they have an attack of grease, or their 
heels are habitually thick and greasy. The disposition to canker 
is certainly hereditary. 

Although canker is a disease most difficult to remove, it is 
easily prevented. Attention to the punctures to which these 
heavy horses, with their clubbed feet and brittle hoofs, are more 
than any others subject in shoeing, and to the bruises and 
treads on the coronet, to which, from their awkwardness and 
weight, they are so liable, and the greasy heels which a very 
slight degree of negligence will produce in them, and the stopping 
of the thrushes, which are so apt in them to run on to the sepa- 
ration of the horn from the sensible frog, will most materially 
lessen the number of cankered feet. 

The cure of canker is the business of the veterinary surgeon, 
and a most painful and tedious business it is. The principles 
on which he proceeds are, first of all, to remove the extraneous 
fungous growth ; and for this purpose he will need the aid of 
the knife and the caustic, or the cautery, for he should -cut 
away every portion of horn which is in the slightest degree sep- 
arated from the sensible parts beneath. He will have to dis- 
courage the growth of fresh fungus, and to bring the foot into 
that state in which it will again secrete healthy horn. A 
slight and daily application of the chloride of antimony, and 
that not where the new horn is forming, but on the surface 
which continues to be diseased, and accompanied by as firm but 
equal pressure as can be made — the careful avoidance of the 
slightest degree of moisture — the horse being exercised or worked 
in the mill, or wherever the foot will not be exposed to wet. 
and that exercise adopted as early as possible, and even from 
the beginning, if the malady is confined to the sole and frog — 



OSSIFICATION WEAKNESS OF THE FOOT. 331 

these means will succeed, if the disease is capable of cure. It 
is proper to resort to neurotomy, if the means of cure are per- 
sisted in. Medicine is not of much avail in the cure of canker, 
but as it sometimes alternates with other diseases, a course of 
alteratives or diuretics may be administered, when the cure is 
nearly completed. 

OSSIFICATION" OF THE CARTILAGES. 

The cartilages embedded in the heels of the feet from bruises, 
sprains, &c, are subject to inflammation, and the result of that 
inflammation is that the cartilages are absorbed, and bone sub- 
stituted in their stead. This is common in heavy draught-horses, 
particularly as they are used on paved streets. 

No evident inflammation of the foot, or great, or perhaps even 
perceptible lameness, accompanies this change ; a mere slight 
degree of stiffness may have been observed, which, in a horse of 
more rapid pace, would have been lameness. Even when the 
change is completed, there is not in many cases anything more 
than a slight increase of stiffness, little or not at all interfering 
with the usefulness of the horse. When this altered structure 
appears in the lighter horse, the lameness is more decided, and 
means should be taken to arrest the progress of the change. 
These are blisters or firing ; but, after the parts have become 
bony, no operation will restore the cartilage. Some benefit, how- 
ever, will be derived from the use of leather soles. Advantage 
has resulted from bar-shoes in conjunction with leather. 

Connected with ringbone the lameness may be very great 
This has been spoken of in page 268. 

WEAKNESS OF THE FOOT. 

This is more accurately a bad formation, than a disease ; often, 
indeed, the result of disease, but in many instances the natural 
construction of the foot. The term tveak foot is familiar to every 
horseman, and the consequence is too severely felt by all who 
have to do with horses. In the slanting of the crust from the 
coronet to the toe, a less angle is almost invariably formed, 
amounting probably to not more than forty instead of forty-five 
degrees ; and, after the horse has been worked for one or two 
years the line is not straight, but a little indented or hollow, 
midway between the coronet and the toe. This has been des- 
cribed as the accompaniment of pumiced feet, but it is often seen 
in weak feet, that, although they might become pumiced by 
severity of work, do not otherwise have the sole convex. The 
crust is not only less oblique than '.t ought to be, but it has not 



332 WEAKNESS OF TTTE FOOT. 

the smooth, even appearance of the good foot. The surface is 
sometimes irregularly roughened, but it is much oftener rough- 
ened in circles or rings. The form of the crust likewise presents 
too much the appearance of a cone ; the bottom of the foot is 
unnaturally wide in proportion to the coronet ; and the whole of 
the foot is generally, but not always larger than it should be. 

When the foot is lifted, it will often present a round and cir- 
cular appearance, with a fullness of frog, and would mislead the 
inexperienced, and indeed be considered as almost the perfection 
of structure ; but, being examined more closely, many glaring 
defects will be seen. The sole is flat, and the smith finds that 
it will bear little or no paring. The bars are small in size. They 
are not cut away by the smith, but they can be scarcely said to 
have any existence. The heels are low, so low that the very 
coronet seems almost to touch the ground ; and the crust, if ex- 
amined, appears scarcely thick enough to hold the nails. 

Horses with these feet can never stand much work. They 
will be subject to corns, to bruises of the sole, to convexity of the 
sole, to punctures in nailing, to breaking away of the crust, to 
inflammation of the foot, and to sprain and injury of the pastern, 
and the fetlock, and the flexor tendon. 

These feet admit of little improvement. Shoeing as seldom 
as may be, and with a light yet wide concave web ; little or no 
paring at the time of shoeing, and as little violent work as pos- 
sible, and especi Hy on rough roads, may protract for a long 
period the evil da^ , but he who buys a horse with these feet will 
sooner or later have cause to repent his bargain. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



FRACTURES. 

Accidents of this description are not of unfrequent occurrence, 
but when they do happen it is not always that the mischief can 
be repaired ; occasionally however, and much more frequently 
than is generally imagined, the life of a valuable animal might 
be saved if the owner, or the veterinary surgeon, would take a 
little trouble, and the patient is fairly tractable, and that, in the 
majority of cases, he will soon become, with kind treatment. 

With the exception of accidents that occur in casting the ani- 
imal for certain operations, and his struggles during the opera- 
tion, the causes of Fracture are usually blows, kicks, or falls, 
and the lesion may be considered as simple, confined to one bone, 
and not protruding through the skin — or compound, the bone or 
bones protruding through the skin — or complicated, where the 
bone is broken or splintered in more than one direction. The 
duty of the veterinary surgeon resolves itself into the replacing 
of the displaced bones in their natural position, the keeping of 
them in that position, the healing of the integument, and the 
taking of such measures as will prevent any untoward circum- 
stances from afterwards occurring. 

In the greater number of cases of fracture, it will be necessary 
to place the horse under considerable restraint, or even to sus- 
pend or sling him. 

Fig. 49 contains a view of the suspensory apparatus used by 
Mr. Percivall. A broad piece of sail-cloth, furnished with two 
breechings, and two breast-girths, is placed under the animal's 
belly, and, by means of ropes and pulleys attached to a cross 
beam above, he is elevated or lowered as circumstances may 
require. It will seldom be necessary to lift the patient quite off 
the ground, and the horse will be quietest, and most at his ease, 
when his feet are suffered just to touch it. The head is confined 
by two collar ropes, and the head-stall well padded. Many 
horses may plunge about and be difficult to manage at first, 
but generally speaking, it is not long ere they become perfectly 
nassive. 



334 



FRACTURES. 



The use of the different buckles and straps which are attached 
to the sail-cloth will be evident on inspection. If the horse 
exhibits more than usual uneasiness, other ropes may be attached 
to the corners of the sail-cloth. This will afford considerable 
relief to the patient, as well as add to the security of the band- 
ages. 

Fig. 49. 




^^■*..H. 



In many cases the fracture, although a simple one, may be 
visible on the slightest inspection ; in others, there may be 
merely a suspicion of its existence. In detecting it, will be 
exhibited the skill and humanity of the educated surgeon, or the 
recklessness and brutality of the ignorant pretender. 

Heat, swelling, tenderness, fearfulness of the slightest motion, 
crepitus, (crackling) and especially change of the natural position 
of the limb, are the most frequent indications of the fracture. 

The probability of reunion of the parts depends upon the depth 
of the wound connected with the fracture — the contusion of the 
soft parts in the immediate neighborhood of it — the blood-vessels, 
arterial or venous, that have been wounded — the nearness of 
some large joint to which the inflammation may be communi- 
cated — dislocation of the extremities of the fractured joint — in- 
juries of the periosteum — the existence of sinuses, caries, or ne 



FRACTURE OF THE SKULL, NASAL BOMJS, JAW-BONE. 335 

crosis, (diseased bones), or the fracture being compound, 01 
broken into numerous spiculse or splinters. 

In a horse that is full of flesh, the cure of fracture is difficult , 
likewise in an old or worn-out horse — or when the part is inac- 
cessible to the hand or to instruments — or when separation has 
taken place between the parts that were beginning to unite — or 
when the surrounding tissues have been or are losing their vital, 
ity — or when the patient is already afflicted with any old 01 
permanent disease. 

It may be useful briefly to review the various seats of fracture - 
Fracture of the skull. — Fracture of the skull is generally 
accompanied by stupidity, convulsive motions of the head or 
limbs, laborious breathing, and a staggering walk. The eyes are 
almost or quite closed, the head is carried low, and the lower lip 
hangs down. There are various instances on record of a portion 
of the depressed bone being removed and the animal recovering ; 
and hi some instances, a reunion of the depressed bones has taken 
place, leaving a permanent depression of the outer surface of the 
skull. 

Fracture of the nasal bones. — This will sometimes occur 
from falling, or be produced by a kick from another horse, or the 
brutality of the attendant or the rider. A fracture of this kind 
is generally accompanied by a laceration of the membrane of the 
nose, and considerable hemorrhage, (flow of blood,) which, how 
ever, may generally be arrested by the application of cold water. 
The fractured portion of bone is usually depressed, and, the space 
for breathing being diminished, difficulty of respiration occurs. 

If there is fracture of the nasal bones, with depression, and 
only a little way from the central arch and the section between 
the nostrils, a slightly curved steel rod may be cautiously intro- 
iuced into the passage, and the depressed portions carefully raised. 
If this cannot be effected, the trephine must be applied a little 
above or below the fracture, and the elevator, or steel rod, be in 
troduced through the aperture. If the fracture is in any other 
part of the bone, it will be impossible to reach it with the eleva- 
tor, for the turbinated bones are in the way. The trephine must 
then be resorted to in the first instance. The wound, if there is 
any, must be covered, and a compress kept on it. 

The superior maxillary, or upper jaw-bone, will occasion- 
ally be fractured. Mr. Cartwright had a case in which it was 
fractured by a kick at the situation where it unites with the iac- 
rymal and malar bones. He applied the trephine, and removed 
many small pieces of bone. The wound was then covered* by 
adhesive plaster, and in a month the parts were healed. 

Mr. Clayworth speaks of a mare which, being ridden almost 
at speed, fell and fractured the upper jaw, three inches above the 



336 FRACTURE OF THE SPINE, RIBS. 

comer incisors. The front teeth and jaw were turned like a hook, 
completely within the lower ones. She was cast, a balling iron 
put into her mouth, and the surgeon, exerting considerable force, 
pulled the teeth outward into their former and proper situation. 
She was then tied up, so that she could not rub her muzzle against 
anything, and was well fed with bean-meal, and linseed tea 
Much inflammation ensued, but it gradually subsided, and, at the 
expiration of the sixth week, the mouth was quite healed, and 
scarcely a vestige of the fracture remained. 

The maxillary bone, or lower jaw, is more subject to frac- 
ture, and particularly in its branches between the tushes and the 
lower teeth, and at the symphysis (union by cartilage) between 
the two branches of the jaw. Its position, its length, and the 
small quantity of muscle that covers it, especially anteriorly, are 
among the causes of its fracture, and the same circumstances 
combine to render a reunion of the divided parts more easy to be 
accomplished. Mr. Blaine relates that, in a fracture of the lower 
jaw, he succeeded by making a strong leather frame that exactly 
encased the whole jaw. The author of this volume has effected 
the same object by similar means. 

In the majority of these cases of simple fracture, a cure might 
be effected, or should, at least, be attempted, by means of well- 
adapted bandages around the muzzle, confined by straps. It will 
always be prudent to call in veterinary aid, and it is absolutely 
necessary in case of compound fracture of the lower jaw. 

Fracture of the spine. — This accident, fortunately ibr the 
horse, is not of frequent occurrence, but it has been uniformly 
fatal. It sometimes happens in the act of falling, as in ieaping 
a wide ditch ; but it oftener occurs while a horse is struggling 
during a painful operation. It is generally sufficiently evident 
while the horse is on the ground. Either a snap is heard, indi- 
cative of the fracture, or the struggles of the hind-limbs suddenly 
and altogether cease. In a few cases, the animal has been able 
to get up and walk to his stable ; in others, the existence of the 
fracture has not been apparent for several hours : showing that 
the vertebras, although fractured, may remain in their place for 
a certain period of time. The bone that is broken, is usually one 
of the posterior dorsal or anterior lumbar vertebrae. There is no 
satisfactory case on record of reunion of the fractured parts. 

Fracture of the ribs. — These fractures are not always easily 
recognized. Those that are covered by the scapula (shoulder- 
blade) may exist for a long time without being detected, and those 
that are situated posteriorly are so thickly covered by muscles as 
to render the detection of the injury almost impossible. 

The ordinary causes of fracture are kicks and blows, or falls. 
The fractures are generally about their middle, and, in the true 



FRACTURE OF THE PELVIS, TAIL, LIMBS. 337 

ribs, commonly oblique. They are occasionally broken into splin- 
ters, and if those splinters are directed inward, they may seriously 
wound the pleura or lungs. In order most certainly to detect the 
situation and extent of these fractures, it may be necessary to 
trace the rib through its whole extent, and, should there be any 
irregularity, to press firmly upon it above and below in order to 
ascertain the nature and extent of the injury. 

If fracture is detected, it is not often that much essential good 
can be done. If there is little or no displacement, a broad roller 
should be tightly drawn round the chest, in order to prevent as 
much as possible the motion of the ribs in the act of breathing, 
and to tlirow the labor on the diaphragm and the. abdominal 
muscles until the tractured parts are united. If the fractured 
parts protrude outwards, a firm compress must be placed upon 
them. Ii they are depressed, it will always be advisable to place 
a firm bandage over the seat of fracture, although, perhaps, there 
may be scarcely the possibility of elevating them to any consid- 
erable degree. Should much irritation be the consequence of the 
nature or direction of the fracture, proper means must be adopted 
to allay the constitutional disturbance that may be produced. 
General or local bleedings will be most serviceable. 

Fracture of ihe pelvis. — This is not of frequent occurrence, 
on account of the thickness of the soft parts which surround the 
pelvis, and protect it from injury, but it is of a serious character 
when it does take place, on account of the violence which must 
have been necessary to produce it. The usual cases are falls from 
a considerable height, or heavy blows on the pelvis. The injury 
may have reference to the internal or external portion of the pel- 
vis. In the first case, the danger may not be discovered until ir- 
reparable m schief is produced. When it is chiefly external, the 
altered appearance of the hip speaks for itself. It is rarely in our 
power to afford any assistance in cases like this, except when there 
are fractured portions of the bone that may be partially or entirely 
removed, or the projecting spine of the ilium is only partially 
fractured. 

Fracture of the tail. — This accident is not of frequent oc- 
currence, except from accidental entanglement, or the application 
of brute force. The fracture is easily recognized, frequently by 
the eye and always by the fingers. If the tail is not amputated, 
a cord passed over a pulley, and with a small weight attached to 
it, will bring the separated bones again into apposition, and in 
about a month the natural cartilage of the part will be sufficiently 
reinstated. 

Fractures of the limbs. — These, fortunately, are of rare oc- 
currence in the horse, for although their divided edges might 
be easily brought again into apposition, it would be almost irr- 



338 FRACTURE OF THE SHOULDER, ARM, KLHOW. 

possible to retain them in it, for the slightest motion wouM dis- 
place them. A rapid survey of each may not, however, be alto- 
gether useless. 

Fracture of the shoulder. — The author is not aware ol 
the successful treatment of this accident by any English veteri- 
nary surgeon. 

It is not at all times easy to discover the existence and precise 
situation of fracture of the humerus. The lameness is very great 
— the animal will not bear at all upon the broken limb — he will 
drag it along the ground — he will move slowly and with difficulty. 
and his progression will consist of a succession of short leaps The 
lifting of the foot will give very great pain. If he is roughly han- 
dled, he will sometimes rear, or throw himself suddenly down. By 
careful application of the hand, a crepitus (crackling sound) will 
more or less distinctly be heard. 

Fracture of the arm. — This accident is not of unfrequent oc- 
currence. It commonly takes an oblique direction, and is usually 
first discovered by the displacement of the limb. Mr. Gloag, of 
the 10th Hussars, gives an interesting account of a case that oc- 
curred in his practice. " An entire black cart-horse was grazing 
in a field, into which some mares were accidentally turned. One 
of them kicked him severely a little above the knee. He, howev- 
er, contrived to get home, and being carefully examined, there was 
found a simple fracture of the radius, about an inch and a half 
above the knee. The ends of the fractured bone could be heard 
distinctly grating against each other, both in advancing the leg 
and turning it sideway from the body. He was immediately 
placed in a sling not completely elevated from the ground, but in 
which he could occasionally relieve himself by standing. The leg 
was well bathed with warm water, and the ends of the bone 
brought as true to their position as possible. Some thin slips of 
green wood were then immersed in boiling water until they would 
readily bend to the shape of the knee, and they were tied round 
the joint, reaching about nine inches above and six below the knee, 
the ends of them being tied round with tow. 

A fortnight afterwards he became very troublesome, knocking his 
foot on the ground, and when, at the expiration of the sixth week, 
he was taken from the slings, there was a considerable bony de- 
posit above the knee. This, however, gradually subsided as 
the horse regained his strength, and, with the exception of turn- 
ing the leg a little outwards, he is as useful as ever for common 
purposes." 

Fracture of the elbow. — This is far more exposed to danger 
than the two last bones, and is oftener fractured. The fracture is 
generally an oblique one, and about two-thirds from the summit 
of the limb. It is immediately detected by the altered action, and 



FRACTURE OF THE FEMUR, PATELLA, TIBIA, HOCK. 339 

different appearance of the limb. It is not so difficult of reduc- 
tion as either the humerus or the scapula, when the fracture is 
towards the middle of the bone. A great quantity of tow satu- 
rated with pitch must be placed around the elbow, and confined 
with firm adhesive plasters, the ground being hollowed away in 
the front of the injured leg, so that no pressure shall be made by 
that foot. 

Fracture of the femur. — Considering the masses of muscle 
that surround this bone, and the immense weight which it sup- 
ports, it would naturally be deemed impossible to reduce a real 
fracture of the femur. If the divided bones are ever united, it is 
a consequence of the simple repose of the parts, and their tendency 
to unite. 

Fracture of the patella. — This does occasionally, though 
very seldom, occur. It is usually the consequence of violent, 
kicks, or blows, and if this singular bone is once disunited, 
no power can bring the divided portions of the bone together 
again. 

Fracture of the tibia. — This affection is of more frequent oc- 
currence, and of more serious consequence, than we were accus 
tomed to imagine it to be. 

Mr. J. S. Mayer gives an interesting account of the successful 
treatment of a case of fracture of the tibia. The simplicity of the 
process will, we trust, encourage many another veterinary surgeon 
to follow his example. 

" A horse received a blow on the tibia of the near leg ; but little 
notice was taken of it for two or three days. When, however, 
we were called in to examine him, we found the tibia to be ob- 
liquely fractured about midway between the hock and the stifle, 
and a small wound existing on the inside of the leg. It was set 
in the following manner : — The leg, from the stifle down to the 
hock, was well covered with an adhesive compound ; it was then 
wrapped round with fine tow, upon which another layer of the 
same adhesive mixture was laid, the whole being well splinted 
and bandaged up, so as to render what was a slightly compound 
fracture a simple one. The local inflammation and sympathetic 
fever that supervened were kept down by antiphlogistic measures. 
At the end of six weeks the bandages and splints were removed, 
and readjusted in a similar way as before, and at the termination 
of three months from the time of the accident he was discharged, 
cured, the splints being wholly taken off, and merely an adhesive 
stay kept on the leg. The horse is now at work and quite 
sound, there being merely a little thickening, .where the callus is 
formed." 

Fracture of the hock. — This is not of frequent occurrence, 
but verv difficult to treat, from the almost impossibility of finding 



340 FRACTURE OF THE CANNON, SESAMOID BONES, ETC. 

means to retain the bone in its situation. A case, however, some- 
what simple in its nature, occurred in the practice of Mr. Cart- 
wright. A colt, leaping at some rails, got his leg between them, 
and, unable to extricate himself, hung over on the other side. 
After being liberated it appeared, on examination, that there was 
a simple horizontal fracture of the whole of the os calcis about 
the middle. A splint was contrived so as to reach from the mid- 
dle of the tibia to that of the cannon bone, and this was applied 
to the front of the leg, keeping the hock from its usual motion, 
and relaxing the muscles inserted into the os calcis. Underneath 
this splint a charge was applied about the part, in order to form 
a level surface for the splint to rest upon. The whole was bound 
together by proper adhesive bandages, and he was ordered to be 
Kept quiet in the stable, but not to be slung. In about two months 
the hock was fired and became perfectly sound. 

Fracture of the cannon or shank bone. — This is of more 
frequent occurrence than that of any other bone, on account ol 
the length of the leg, and the danger to which it is exposed 
There is rarely any difficulty in detecting its situation, but there 
is sometimes a great deal in bringing the divided edges of the 
bone again into apposition. A kind of windlass, or a power 
equal to it, is occasionally necessary to produce sufficient exten- 
sion in order to effect the desired purpose : but the divided edges 
being brought into apposition are retained there by the force of 
the muscles above. Splints reaching from the foot to above the 
Knee should then be applied. The horse should be racked up 
during a fortnight, after which, if the case is going on well, the 
animal may often be turned out. 

In cases of compound fracture the wounds should be carefully 
attended to : but Mr. Percivall says that he knows one or two 
old practitioners, who are in the habit of treating these cases in 
a very summary and generally successful manner. They employ 
such common support, with splints and tow and bandages, as 
the case seems to require, and then the animal with his leg 
bound up is turned out, if the season permits ; otherwise he is 
placed in a yard or box, where there is not much straw to in- 
commode his movements. The animal will take care not to 
impose too much weight on his fractured limb ; and, provided 
the parts are well secured, nature will generally perform the 
rest. 

Fracture of the sesamoid bones. — There are but two 
instances of this on record. 

Fracture of the upper pastern. — Thick and strong, and 
movable as this bone seems to be, it is occasionally fractured. This 
lias been the consequence of a violent effort by the horse to save 
himself from falling, when he has stumbled, — it has happened 



FRACTURE OF THE LOWER PASTERN. 341 

when he has been incautiously permitted to run down a steep 
descent — and has occurred when a horse has been travelling on 
the best road, and at no great pace. 

The existence of fracture in this bone is, generally speaking, 
easily detected. The injured foot is, as lightly as possible, per- 
mitted to come in contact with the ground. As little weight as 
may be is thrown on it, or, if the animal is compelled to use it, 
the fetlock is bent down nearly to the ground, and the toe is 
turned upward. If the foot is turned sideways a crackling 
sound is generally heard, though this is not always the case. 

The probability of success in the treatment of this fracture, 
depends on its being a simple or compound one. If it runs 
laterally across the bone, it may be readily and successfully 
treated — if it extends to the joints above and below, it will 
probably terminate in anchylosis (bony union), and if the bone 
is shivered, as it too frequently is, into various parts, there would 
scarcely seem the possibility of a successful treatment of the 
case. The instances, however, are numerous in which the case 
terminates successfully. Hurtrel d'Arboval recommends that a 
bandage steeped in some adhesive matter should be applied from 
the coronet to the middle of the leg. On this some wet paste- 
board is to be moulded, enveloped afterwards in a linen ban- 
dage. A small splint is now to be applied before and behind 
and on each side, and the hollow places are filled with tow, in 
order to give them an equal bearing. If this does not appear 
to be sufficiently secure, other splints, thicker and broader, are 
placed over those extending to the knee or the hock. 

The case related by M. Levrat was treated in this way. It 
will be comparatively seldom that it will be necessary to suspend 
the patient. The animal, under the treatment of M. Levrat, 
kept his foot in the air for nearly three weeks. At the end of 
that period he now and then tried to rest his toe on the litter. 
Six weeks after the accident, he began to throw some weight on 
the foot ; and a few days afterwards he was able to go to a pond, 
about fifty paces from his stable, and where, of his own accord, 
he took a foot-bath for nearly an hour at a time. At the expir- 
ation of another month he was mounted, and went well at a 
walking pace ; he was, however, still lame when he was trotted. 

Fracture of the lower pastern. — Although this bone is 
much shorter than the upper pastern, there are several instances 
of fracture of it. The fractures of this bone are commonly 
longitudinal, and often extend from the larger pastern to the 
coffin-bone. It is frequently splintered, the splinters takmsr this 
longitudinal direction. Hutrel d'Arboval relates three cases of 
this, and in one of them the bone was splintered into four pieces. 
Ir several instances, however, this bone has been separated into 



342 FRACTURE OF THE COFFIN-BONE, NAVICULAR BONE. 

eight or ten distinct pieces. When the fracture of the bone is 
neither compound nor complicated, it may be perfectly reduced 
by proper bandaging, and, in fact, there have been cases, in 
which union has taken place with slight assistance from art be- 
yond the application of a few bandages. 

Fracture of the coffin-bone. — This is an accident of very 
rare occurrence, and difficult to distinguish from other causes 
of lameness. The animal halts very considerably — the foot is 
hot and tender — the pain seems to be exceedingly great, and 
none of the ordinary causes of lameness are perceived. Accord- 
ing to Hurtrel D'Arboval, it is not so serious an accident as has 
been represented. The fractured portions cannot be displaced, 
and in a vascular bone like this, the union of the divided 
parts will be readily effected. 

Fracture of the navicular bone has been sufficiently con- 
sidered under the article "Navicular Joint Disease," p. 311. 



CHAPTER X7II. 



ON SHOEING, ETC. 

The period when the shoe began to be nailed to the foot of the 
horse is uncertain. William the Norman introduced it intd our 
country. 

Far more than is generally imagined, do the comfort and 
health of the horse, and the safety of his rider, depend upon shoe- 
ing. 

In taking off the old shoe, the clenches of the nails should al- 
ways be carefully raised or filed ofF; and, where the foot is ten- 
der, or the horse is to be examined for lameness, each nail should 
be partly punched out. 

The edges of the crust are then to be rasped to detect whether 
any stubs remain in the nail-holes, and to remove the crust into 
which dirt and gravel have insinuated themselves. 

Next comes the important process of paring out, with regard 
to which it is almost impossible to lay down any specific rules. 
This, however, is undoubted, that far more injury has been done 
by the neglect of paring, than by carrying it to too great an ex- 
tent. The act of paring is a work of much more labor than the 
proprietor of the horse often imagines. The smith, except he is 
overlooked, will frequently give himself as little trouble about it 
as he can ; and that portion of horn which, in the unshod foot, 
would be worn away by contact with the ground, is suffered to 
accumulate month after month, until the elasticity of the sole i« 
destroyed, and it can no longer descend, and its other functions 
are impeded, and foundation is laid for corn, and contraction, and 
uavicular disease, and inflammation. That portion of horn 
should be left on the foot, which will defend the internal parts 
from being bruised, and yet suffer the external sole to descend 
How is this to be ascertained ? The strong pressure of the thumb 
of the smith will be the best guide. The buttress, that most de- 
structive of all instruments, being, except on very particular oc- 
casions, banished from every respectable forge, the smith sets to 
work with his drawing-knife, and removes the growth of horn, 
until the sole will yield, although in the slightest possible degree, 



344 SHOEING. 

to the strong pressure of his thumb. The proper thickness of 
horn will then remain. 

The quantity of horn to be removed, in order to leave the pro- 
per degree of thickness, will vary with different feet. From the 
strong foot, a great deal must be taken. From the concave foot, 
the horn may be removed until the sole will yield to a moderate 
pressure. From the flat foot, little needs be pared ; while the 
pumiced foot should be deprived of nothing but the ragged parts. 

The crust should be reduced to a perfect level all round, but 
left a little higher than the sole, or the sole will be bruised by its 
pressure on the edge of the seating. 

The heels will require considerable attention. From the stresa 
which is thrown on the inner heel, and from the weakness of the 
quarter there, the horn usually wears away considerably fastei 
than it would on the outer one, and if an equal portion of horn 
were pared from it, it would be left lower than the outer heel. 
The smith should therefore accommodate his paring to the com- 
parative wear of the heels, and be exceedingly careful to leave 
them precsely level. 

The portion of the heels between the inflection of the bar and 
the frog should scarcely be touched — at least, the ragged and de- 
tached parts alone should be cut away. The foot may not look 
so fair and open, but it will last longer without contraction. 

The bar, likewise, should be left fully prominent, not only at 
its first inflection, but as it runs down the side of the frog. The 
heel of tjie shoe is designed to rest partly on the heel of the foot 
and partly on the bar, for reasons that have been already stated. 
If the bar is weak, the growth of it should be encouraged ; and 
it should be scarcely touched when the horse is shod, unless it 
has attained a level with the crust. 

It will also be apparent, that the horn between the crust and 
the bar should be carefully pared out. Every horseman has ob- 
served the relief which is given to the animal lame with corns, 
when this angle is well thinned. 

The degree of paring to which the frog must be subjected, will 
depend on its prominence, and on the shape of the foot. The 
principle has already been stated, that it must be left so far pro- 
jecting and prominent, that it shall be just within and above the 
lower surface of the shoe ; it will then descend with the sole suf- 
ficiently to discharge the functions that have been attributed to it. 
If it is lower, it will be bruised and injured ; if it is higher, it 
cannot come in contact with the ground, and thus be enabled to 
do its duty. The ragged parts must be removed, and especially 
tnose occasioned by thrush, but the degree of paring must depend 
entirely on the principle just stated. 



SHOEING. 



PUTTING ON THE SHOE. 



345 



The shoe should accurately fit the size of the foot ; if too small, 
and the foot is rasped down to fit the shoe, the crust is thinned 
where it receives the nail, and the danger of puncture, and of 
pressure upon the sole, is increased ; and a foot so artificially di- 
minished in size, will soon grow over the shoe, to the hazard of 
uonsid&rable or permanent lameness. 

The shoe should be properly bevelled off, that the dirt, gravel, 
&c, which gets between it and the foot may be shaken out. 

The web of the shoe is likewise of that thickness, that when 
the foot is properly pared, the prominent part of the frog shall lie 
just within and above its ground surface, so that in the descent 
of the sole, the frog shall come sufficiently on the ground to en- 
able it to act as a wedge, and to expand the quarters, while it is 
defended from the wear and injury it would receive, if it came 
on the ground with the first and full shock of the weight. 

The nail-holes are, on the ground side, placed as near the outer 
edge of the shoe as they can safely be, and brought out near the 
inner edge of the seating. The nails thus take a direction in- 
wards, resembling that of the crust itself, and have firmer hold, 
and the weight of the horse being thrown on a flat surface, con- 
traction is not so likely to be produced. 

It is expedient not only that the foot and ground surface of the 
shoe should be most accurately level, but that the crust should be 
exactly smoothed and fitted to the shoe. Much skill and time 
are necessary to do this perfectly with the drawing-knife. The 
smith has adopted a method of more quickly, and more accurately 
adapting the shoe to the foot. He pares the crust as level as he 
can, and then he brings the shoe to a heat somewhat below a red 
heat, and applies it to the foot, and detects any little elevations 
by the deeper color of the burned horn. This practice has been 
much inveighed against ; but it is the abuse, and not the use of 
the thing which is to be condemned. If the shoe is not too hot, 
nor held too long on the foot, an accuracy of adjustment is thus 
obtained, which the knife would be long in producing, or would 
not produce at all. If, however, the shoe is made to burn its way 
to its seat, with little or no previous preparation of the foot, the 
heat must be injurious both to the sensible and insensible parts of 
the foot. 

The heels of the shoe should be examined as to their proper 
width. Whatever is the custom of shoeing the horses of dealers, 
and the too prevalent practice in the metropolis of giving the fuot 
an open appearance, although the posterior part of it is thereby 
exposed to injury, nothing is more certain than that, in the horse 

o 



346 CALKINS CLIPS. 

destined for road- work, the heels, and particularly the seat of corn, 
can scarcely be too well covered. Part of the shoe projecting 
externally can be of no possible good, but will prove an occasional 
source of mischief, and especially in a heavy country. A shoe, 
the web of which projects inward as far as it can without touch- 
ing the frog, affords protection to the angle between the bars and 
he crust. 

Of the manner of attaching the shoe to the foot the owner can 
scarcely be a competent judge ; he can only take care that the 
shoe itself sh'all not be heavier than the work requires — that, foi 
work a little hard the shoe shall still be light, with a bit of steel 
welded into the toe — that the nails shall be as small, and as few, 
and as far from the heels as may be consistent with the security 
of the shoe ; and that, for light work at least, the shoe shall not 
be driven on so closely and firmly as is often done, nor the points 
of the nails b^ brought out so high up as is generally practised. 

CALKINS* 

There are few cases in which the use of calkins (a turning up 
or elevation of the heel) can be admissible in the fore-feet, except 
in frosty weather, when it may in some degree prevent unpleasant 
or dangerous slipping. If, however, calkins are used, they should 
be placed on both sides. If the outer heel only is raised with the 
calkin, as is too often the case, the weight cannot be thrown evenly 
on the foot, and undue straining and injury of some part of the 
foot or of the leg must be the necessary consequence. 

CLIPS. 

These are portions of the upper edge of the shoe, hammered 
rat, aud turned up so as to embrace the lower part of the crust 
and which is usually pared out a little, in order to receive the 
clip. They are very useful, as more securely attaching the shoe 
to the foot, and relieving the crust from that stress upon the nail* 
which would otherwise be injurious. A clip at the toe is almos* 
necessary in every draught-horse, and absolutely so in the horse 
of heavy draught, in order to prevent the shoe from being loos- 
ened or torn off by the pressure which is thrown upon the toe iu 
the act of drawing. A clip on the outside of each shoe, at the 
beginning of the quarters, will give security to it. Clips are like- 
wise necessary on the shoes of all heavy horses, and of all other? 
who are disposed to stamp, or violently paw with their feet, ant 
"ihus incur the danger of displacing the shoe ; but they are evils 

* Called " calks," or vulgarly, "corks," in the U. S. — Am. Ed 



THE HINDER SHOE DIFFERENT KINDS OF SHOES. 347 

inasmuch as they press upon the crust as it grows down, and they 
should only be used when circumstances absolutely require them. 
In the hunter's shoe they are not required at the sides. One at 
the toe is sufficient. 

THE HINDER SHOE. 

In forming the hinder shoes it should be remembered that 
the hind limbs are the principal instruments in progression, and 
that in every act of progression, except the walk, the toe is the 
point on which the whole frame of the animal turns, and from 
which it is propelled. This part, then, should be strengthened 
as much as possible ; and, therefore, the hinder shoes are made 
broader at the toe than the fore ones. Another good effect is 
produced by this, that, the hinder foot being shortened, there is 
less danger of over-reaching, forging, or clinking, and especially 
if the shoe is wider on the foot surface than on the ground one. 
The shoe is thus made to slope inward, and is a little within the 
toe of the crust. 

The shape of the hinder foot is somewhat different from that of 
the fore foot. It is straighter in the quarters, and the shoe must 
have the same form. For carriage- and draught- horses generally, 
calkins may be put on the heels, because the animal will be thus 
enabled to dig his toe more firmly into the ground, and urge him 
self forward, and throw his weight into the collar with greater 
advantage : but the calkins must not be too high, and they must 
be of an equal height on each heel, otherwise, as has been stated 
with regard to the fore feet, the weight will not be fairly dis- 
tributed over the foot, and some part of the foot or the leg will 
materially suffer. The nails in the hinder shoe may be placed 
nearer to the heel than in the fore shoe, because, from the com- 
paratively little weight and concussion thrown on the hinder feet, 
there is not so much danger of contraction. 

DIFFERENT KINDS OF SHOES. 

The shoe must vary in substance and weight with the kind of 
foot, and the nature of the work. A weak foot should never 
wear a heavy shoe, nor any foot a shoe that will last longer than 
a month. Here, perhaps, we may be permitted to caution the 
horse-proprietor against having his cattle shod by contract, un- 
less he binds his farrier or veterinary surgeon to remove the shoes 
once at least in every month ; for if the contractor, by a heavy 
shoe, and a little steel, can cause five or six weeks to intervene 
between the shoeings, he will do so, although the feet of the 
horse must necessarily suffer. The shoe should never be heavier 



348 



THE CONCAVE SEATED SHOE. 



than the work requires, for an ounce or two in the weight of the 
shoe will sadly tell at the end of a hard day's work. This is 
acknowledged in the hunting-shoe, which is narrower and lighter 
than that of the hackney, although the foot of the hackney is 
smaller than that of the hunter. It is more decidedly acknowl- 
edged in the racer, who wears a shoe only sufficiently thick to 
prevent it from bending when it is used. 



THE CONCAVE SEATED SHOE. 

A cut is subjoined of a shoe which is useful and valuable for 
general purposes. It is employed in many of our best forges, and 
promises gradually to supersede the flat and the simple concave 
shoe, although it must, in many respects, yield to the unilateral shoe. 

It presents a perfectly flat surface to the ground, in order to 
give as many points of bearing as possible, except that, on the 
outer edge, there is a groove or fuller, in which the nail-holes aie 
punched, so that, sinking into the fuller, their heads project but 
a little way, and are soon worn down level with the shoe. 

Fig. 50. 




The web of this shoe is of the same thickness throughout, from 
the toe to the heel ; and it is sufficiently wide to guard the sole 



THE UNILATERAL SHOE. 349 

from bruises, and, as much so as the frog will permit, to cover 
the seat of corn. 

On the foot side it is seated. The outer part of it is accurately 
flat, and of the width of the crust, and designed to support the 
crust, for by it the whole weight of the horse is sustained. 

Towards the heel this flattened part is wider and occupies the 
whole breadth of the web, in order to support the heel of t' 
crust and its reflected part — the bar ; thus, while it defends th* 
horn included within this angle from injury, it gives that equal 
pressure from the bar and the crust, which is the best preventive 
against corns, and a powerful obstacle to contraction. 

It is fastened to the foot by nine nails — five on the outside, and 
four on the inner side of the shoe ; those on the outside extend- 
ing a little farther down towards the heel, because the outside 
heel is thicker and stronger, and there is more nail-hold ; the last 
nail on the inner quarter being farther from the heel, on account 
of the weakness of that quarter. For feet not too large, and 
where moderate work only is required from the horse, four nails 
on the outside, and three on the inside, will be sufficient ; and 
the last nail being far from the heels, will allow more expansion 
there. 

The inside part of the web is bevelled off, or rendered concave, 
that it may not press upon the sole. Notwithstanding the shoe, 
the sole does, although to a very inconsiderable extent, descend 
when the foot of the horse is put on the ground. It is unable 
to bear constant or even occasional pressure, and if it came in 
contact with the shoe, the sensible sole between it and the coffin- 
bone would be bruised, and lameness would ensue. Many of oui 
horses, from too early arid undue work, have the natural concave 
sole flattened, and the disposition to descend, and the degree oi 
descent, are thereby increased. The concave shoe prevents, even 
in this case, the possibility of much injury, because the sole can 
never descend in the degree in which the shoe is or may \)-j 
bevelled. A shoe bevelled still farther is necessary to protect 
the projecting or pumiced foot. 

THE UNILATERAL, OR ONE SIDE NAILED SHOE. 

This is a material improvement in the art of shoeing, for 
which we are indebted to Mr. Turner. 

What was the state of the foot of the horse a few years ago ? 
An unyielding iron hoof was attached to it by four nails in each 
quarter, and the consequence was, that in nine cases out of ten 
the foot underwent a very considerable alteration in its form and 
in its usefulness. Before it had attained its full developement — 
before the animal was five years old, there was, in a great many 



350 



THE UNILATERAL SHOE. 



cases, an evident contraction of the hoof. There was an altera- 
tion in the manner of going. The step was shortened, the sole 
was hollowed, the frog was diseased, the general elasticity of the 
foot was destroyed — there was a disorganization of the whole 
horny cavity, and the value of the horse was materially dimin- 
ished. What was the grand cause of this ? It was the restraint 
f the shoe. The firm attachment of it to the foot by nails in 
ach quarter, and the consequent strain to which the quarters 
and every part of the foot were exposed, produced a necessary 
tendency to contraction, from which sprang almost all the mala- 
dies to which the foot of the horse is subject. 

The unilateral shoe has this great advantage : it is identified 
with the grand principle of the expansibility of the horse's foo + y 
and of removing or preventing the worst ailments to which the 
foot of the horse is liable. It can be truly stated of this shoe, 
that while it affords to the whole organ an iron defence equal to 
the common shoe, it permits, what the common shoe never did or 
can do, the perfect liberty of the foot. 

We are enabled to present our readers with the last improve- 
ment of the unilateral shoe. 

Fig. 51. 




The above cut gives a view of the outer side of the off or 
right unilateral shoe. The respective situations of the five nails 
will be observed ; the distance of the last from the heel, and the 
proper situations at which they emerge from the crust. The two 
clips will likewise be seen — one in the front of the foot, and the 
p*> *>r n the side between the last and second nail. 



THE HUNTING SHOE. 



351 



Fig. 52 gives a view of the inner side of the unilateral shoe. 
The two nails near the toe are in the situation in which Mr. Tur- 
ner directs that they should be placed, and behind them is no 
other attachment, between the shoe and the crust. The portion 
of the crust which is rasped off from the inner surface of the 
shoe, is now, we believe, not often removed from the side of the 
foot ; it has an unpleasant appearance, and the rasping is some- 
what unnecessary. The heel of this shoe exhibits the method 
which Mr. Turner has adopted, and with considerable success, 
for the cure of corns ; he cuts away a portion of the ground sur 
face at the heel, and injurious compression or concussion is ren- 
dered in a manner impossible. 

Fig. 52. 




There can be no doubt that this one-sided nailing has been 
exceedingly useful. It has, in many a case that threatened a 
serious termination, restored the elasticity of the foot, and enabled 
ii to discharge its natural functions. It has also restored to the 
foot, even in bad cases, a great deal of its natural formation, and 
enabled the horse to discharge his duty with more ease and 
pleasure to himself, and greater security to his rider. 



THE HUNTING SHOE. 



The hunter's shoe is different from that commonly used, in form 
as well as in weight. It is not so much bevelled off as the com- 
mon concave-seated shoe. Sufficient space alone is left for the in- 
troduction of a picker between the shoe and the sole, otherwise, 
in going over heavy ground, the clay would insinuate itself, and by 



o52 THE BAR-SHOE TIPS. 

its tenacity loosen, and even tear off the shoe. The heels like- 
wise are somewhat shorter, that they may not be torn off by the 
toe of the hind-feet when galloping fast, and the outer heel is fre- 
quently but injudiciously turned up to prevent slipping. If calk- 
ins are necessary both heels should have an equal bearing. 



THE BAR-SHOE. 

A bar-shoe is often exceedingly useful. It is the continuation 
of the common shoe round the heels, and by means of it the 
pressure may be taken off from some tender part of the foot, and 
thrown on another which is better able to bear it, or more widely 
and equally diffused over the whole foot. It is principally re- 
sorted to in cases of corn, the seat of which it perfectly covers — 
in pumiced feet, the soles of which may be thus elevated above 
the ground and secured from pressure, — in sand-crack, when the 
pressure may be removed from the fissure, and thrown on either 
side of it, and in thrushes, when the frog is tender, or is become 
cankered, and requires to be frequently dressed, and the dressing 
can by this means alone be retained. In these cases the bar-shoe 
is an excellent contrivance, if worn only for one or two shoeings. 
or as long as the disease requires it to be worn, but it must be 
left off as soon as k can be dispensed with. If it is used for the 
protection of a diseased foot, however, it may be chambered and 
laid off the frog, it will soon become flattened upon it ; or if the 
pressure of it is thrown on the frog in order to relieve the sand- 
crack or the corn, that frog must be very strong and healthy 
which can long bear the great and continued pressure. More 
mischief is often produced in the frog than previously existed in the 
part that was relieved. It will be plain that in the use of the 
bar-shoe for corn or sand-crack, the crust and the frog should be 
precisely on a level ; the bar also should be the widest part of the 
shoe, in order to afford as extended bearing as possible on the frog 
and therefore less likely to be injurious. Bar-shoes are evidently 
not safe in frosty weather. They are never safe when much 
speed is required from the horse, and they are apt to be wrenched 
oh' in a heavy, clayey country. 

TIPS. 

Tips are short shoes, reaching only half round the foot, and 
worn while the horse is at grass, in order to prevent the crust 
being torn by the occasional hardness of the ground, or the paw- 
ing of the animal. The quarters at the same time being free, the 
foot disposed to contract has a chance of expanding and regaining 
its natural shape. 



THE EXPANDING SHOE FELT OR LEATHER SOLES. 353 



THE EXPANDING SHOE. 

Our subject would not be complete if we did not describe the 
supposed expanding shoe, although it is now almost entirely out 
of use. It is either seated or concave like the common shoe, with 
a joint at the toe, by which the natural expansion of the foot is 
said to ba permitted, and the injurious consequences of shoeing 
prevented. There is, however, this radical defect in the jointed 
shoe, that the nails occupy the same situation as in the common 
shoe, and prevent, as they do, the gradual expansion of the sides 
and quarters, and allow only of the hinge-like motion at the toe. 
It is a most imperfect accommodation of the expansion of the foot 
to the action of its internal parts, and even this accommodation 
is afforded in the slightest possible degree, if it is afforded at all. 
Either the nails fix the sides and quarters as in the common shoe, 
and then the joint at the toe is useless : or, if that joint merely 
opens like a hinge, the nail-holes near the toe can no longer cor- 
respond with those in the quarters, which are unequally expand- 
ing at every point. There will be more stress on the crust at 
these holes, which will not only enlarge them and destroy the 
fixed attachment of the shoe to the hoof, but often tear away por- 
tions of the crust. This shoe, in order to answer the intended 
purpose, should consist of many joints, running along the sides 
and quarters, which would make it too complicated and expensive 
and frail for general use. 

While the shoe is to be attached to the foot by nails, we must 
be content with the concave-seated or unilateral one, taking care 
to place the nail-holes so far from the heels, and particularly from 
the inner heel, as the state of the foot and the nature of the work 
will admit ; and where the country is not too heavy nor the worl 
too severe, omitting all but two on the inner side of the foot. 

FELT OR LEATHER SOLES. 

When the foot is bruised or inflamed, the concussion or shock 
produced by the hard contact of the elastic iron with the ground 
gives the animal much pain, and aggravates the injury or disease. 
A strip of felt or leather is, therefore, sometimes placed between 
the seating of the shoe and the crust, which, from its want of 
elasticity, deadens or materially lessens the vibration or shock, and 
the horse treads more freely and is evidently relieved. This is a good 
contrivance while the inflammation or tenderness of the foot con- 
tinues, but a very bad practice if constantly adopted. The 
nails cannot be driven so surely or securrly when this sub- 
stance is interposed between the shoe and the Foot. The contrac- 
23 



354 FELT OR LEATHER SOLES. 

tion and swelling of the felt or leather from the effect of moisture 
or dryness will soon render the attachment of the shoe less firm — 
there will be too much play upon the nails — the nail-holes will en- 
large, and the crust will be broken away. 

After wounds or extensive bruises of the sole, or where the sole 
is thin and flat and tender, it is sometimes covered with a piece 
f leather, fitted to the sole, and nailed on with the shoe. This 
may be allowed as a temporary defence of the foot ; but there is 
the same objection to its permanent use for the insecurity of 
fastening, and the strain on the crust, and the frequent chipping 
of it. There are also these additional inconveniences, that if the 
hollow between the sole and the leather is filled with stopping 
and tow, it is exceedingly difficult to introduce them so evenly 
and accurately as not to produce partial or injurious pressure. A 
few days' work will almost invariably so derange the padding, as 
to cause unequal pressure. The long contact of. the sole with 
stopping of almost every kind, will produce not a healthy, elastic 
horn, but that of a scaly, spongy nature — and if the hollow is not 
thus filled, gravel and dirt will insinuate themselves, and eat into 
and injure the foot.* 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — [Mr. Spooner's note contains nothing not given 
more fully in the text. After some remarks on the diversities of opinion on 
the subject of shoeing, he expresses the following opinions :] Some horses 
have so strong a development of the horny structure of the foot, that a con- 
siderable portion requires to be removed at each shoeing, whilst others re- 
quire, if it were possible, horn to be added, for in them the wear is greater 
than the growth. Some horses have a tendency to high heels, others to low 
ones ; some require the toe of the foot to be reduced every month, in others 
there is not a particle to spare. In some horses the frog is so large and 
gross that it requires considerable paring, in others it can only be very care- 
fully removed. We find the sole in some horses so thin and flat, that the 
shoe must be seated considerably to prevent its pressing on the sole, whilst 
in others the sole is so strong and concave, that it is a matter of indifference 
whether the shoe is seated at all, except for the purpose of rendering it 
lighter. With this endless diversity in horses' feet, how is it possible to lay 
down any fixed plan for shoeing all horses alike ? All that can be done is to 
take an average foot, and consider what sort of shoe is best suited for it, 
and so alter or modify such shoe as to adapt it to other feet according to 
their peculiarities. 

There is no better shoe for a saddle or light harness horse on the road 
than one of moderate weight, rather less than an inch in breadth, seated on 
the foot surface, with five nails on the outside quarter and toe, and two or 
three on the inside and near the toe. A clip at the toe and another at the 
outer quarter will be a useful addition ; and if the shoe is required to be 
light, then one or even two nails may be dispensed with. By means of 
such a shoe the foot will be secured from contraction, and the inside heel in 
great measure from corns. The shoe should be of equal thickness at the 
heel as at the toe, and the web should oe narrower at the former than the 
latter situation. If the heels of the foot are very low, it will be prudent to 
make the heels of the shoe somewhat thicker than the toe, and vice versa. 



STOPPING THE FEET. 366 



STOPPING THE FEET. 



The general habit of stopping the feet requires some consider- 
ation. It is a very good or very bad practice, according to cir- 
cumstances. When the sole is flat and thin it should be 
omitted, except on the evening before shoeing, and then the 
application of a little moisture may render the paring of the foot 
safer and more easy. If it were oftener used it would soften the 
foot, and not only increase the tendency to descent, but the occa- 
sional occurrence of lameness from pebbles or irregularities of 
the road. 

Professor Stewart gives a valuable account of the proper 
application of stopping. "Farm horses seldom require any 
stopping. Their feet receive sufficient moisture in the fields, or, 
if they do not get much, they do not need much. Cart-horses 
used in the town should be stopped once a week, or oftener dur- 
ing winter, and every second night in the hot weeks of summer 
Groggy horses, and all those with high heels, concave shoes, or 
hot and tender feet, or an exuberance of horn, require stopping 
almust every night. When neglected, especially in dry weather ; 
the sole becomes hard and rigid, and the horse goes lame, or 
becomes lame if he were not so before." 

One of two substances, or a mixture of both, is generally used 
for stopping the feet — clay and cow-dung. The clay used alone 
is too hard, and dries too rapidly. Many horses have been lamed 
by it. If it is used in the stable, it should always be removed 
before the horse goes to work. It may, perhaps, be applied to 
the feet of heavy draught-horses, for it will work out before 
much mischief is done. 

Cow-dung is softer than the clay, and it has this good prop- 
erty, that it rarely or never becomes too hard or dry. For ordi- 
nary work, a mixture of equal parts of clay and cow-dung will 
be the best application ; either of them, however, must be 
applied with a great deal of caution, where there is any dispo 
sition to thrush. Tow used alone, or with a small quantity of 
tar, will often be serviceable. 

If the sole is inclined to be flat, it will be desirably to make the shoe lorae 
what broader in the web, unless a leather sole is used, which for such fee 
is extremely useful, — indeed a leather sole is at all times desirable during 
the summer season. It secures the sole from injury from stones, and 
saves many a fall and broken knee ; it materially lessens concussion, dimin- 
ishes both the wear of the horn and of the shoe, and keeps applied to the 
sole a stopping of grease and tar spread on tow, which preserves the horn 
in a moist and healthy state. It is objectionable for hunters by rendering 
the shoes more liable to cast ; and if required, on account of lameness, for 
horses going on the soft ground, it should be merely a narrow rim of leather 
between the bearing part of the shoe and the foot. 



356 



THE SANDAL. 



In the better kind of stables, a felt pad is frequently used. It 
keeps the foot cool and moist, and is very useful, when the sole 
has a tendency to become flat. For the concave sole, tow would 
be preferable. 

THE SANDAL. 

The shoe is sometimes displayed when the horse is going at 
an ordinary pace, and more frequently during hunting ; and no 
person who is a sportsman needs to be told in what a vexatious 
predicament every one feels himself who happens to loose a shoe 
in the middle of a chase, or just as the hounds are getting clear 
away with their fox over the open country. 

Mr. Percivall has invented a sandal which occupies a very 
small space in the pocket, can be buckled on the foot in less 
than two minutes, and will serve as a perfect substitute for 
the lost one, on the road, or in the field ; or may be used for 
the race-horse when travelling from one course to another ; or 
may be truly serviceable in cases of diseased feet that may re- 
quire at the same time exercise and daily dressing. The follow- 
ing is a short sketch of the horse sandal. 

Fig. 53. 



Toe Clasp 

Hinge 
Toe-Clip 



Tip 



Middle Bar " 
Side Bar 

Heel Clip 




Toe Clasp 

Hinge 
Toe-Clip 



Tip 

Middle Bar 
Side Bar 

Heel Clip 



Rings 

From an inspection of the above cut, it will be seen that the 
shoe, or iron part of the sandal, consists of three 'principal 
parts, to which the others are appendages ; which are, the tip 



THE SANDAL. 



357 



so called from its resemblance to the horse-shoe of that name ; 
the middle bar, the broad part proceeding backward from the 
tip ; and the side bars, or branches of the middle bar, extending 
to the heels of the hoof. The appendages are, the toe-clasp, 
the part projecting from the front of the tip, and which moves 
by a hinge upon the toe-clip, which toe-clasp is furnished with 
two iron loops. The heel-clips are two clips at the heels of 
the side bars, which correspond to the toe-clip ; the latter em- 
bracing the toe of the crust, whilst the former embrace its 
heels. Through the heel-clips run the rings, which move and 
act like a hinge, and are double, for the purpose of admitting 
both the straps. In the plate, the right ring only is represented ; 
the left being omitted, the better to show the heel-clip. The 
straps, which are composed of web, consist of a hoof-strap) and a 
heel and coronet-strap. 

The hoof -st rap is furnished with a buckle, whose office it is tc 
bind the shoe to the hoof; for which purpose it is passed through 
the lower rings, and both loops of the shoe, and is made to en- 
circle the hoof twice. 

The heel and coronet-strap is furnished with two pads and 
two sliding loops ; one, a movable pad, reposes on the heel, to 
defend that part from the pressure and friction of the strap ; 
the other, a pad attached to the strap near the buckle affords a 



Fig. 54. 




similar defence, to the coronet in front. The heel-strap runs 
through the upper rings, crosses the heel, and encircles the 



358 TO MANAGE A FALLEN HORSE. 

coronet ; and its office is to keep the heels of the shoe closely 
applied to the hoof, and to prevent them from sliding forward. 

lu the application of the sandal, the foot is taken up with 
one hand, and the shoe slipped upon it with the other. With 
the same hand, the shoe is retained in its place, while the foot 
is gradually let down to rest on the ground. As soon as this 
is done, the straps are drawn as tight as possible, and buckled. 

Fig. 54, on the preceding page, represents an accurate delinea- 
tion of the sandal, when properly fastened to the foot. 

TO MANAGE A FALLEN HORSE 

Horses occasionally fall from bad riding, or bad shoeing, or over- 
reaching, or an awkward way of setting on the saddle. The head, 
the neck, the knees, the back, or the legs will oftenest suffer. It 
is often difficult to get the animal on his legs again, especially if 
he is old, or exhausted, or injured by the fall. The principal ob- 
ject is, to support the head, and to render it a fixed point from 
which the muscles may act in supporting the body. 

If the horse is in harness, it is seldom that he can rise until he 
is freed from the shafts and traces. The first thing is to secure 
the head, and to keep it down, that he may not beat himself 
against the ground. Next, the parts of the harness connected 
with the carriage must be unbuckled — the carriage must then be 
backed a little way, so that he may have room to rise. If neces- 
sary, the traces must betaken off; and after the horse gets up, he 
must be steadied a little, until he collects himself. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



OPERATIONS. 

These belong more to the veterinary surgeon than to the pro- 
prietor of the horse, but a short account of the manner of conduct- 
ing the principal ones should not be omitted. 

It is frequently necessary to bind the human patient, and in no 
painful or dangerous operation should this be omitted. It is more 
necessary to bind the horse, who is not under the control of reason, 
and whose struggles may not only be injurious to himself, but dan- 
gerous to the operator. 

The trevis is a machine indispensable in every continental forge ; 
even the quietest horses are there put into it to be shod. 

The side-line is a very simple and useful method of confining 
the horse, and placing him in sufficient subjection, for the opera- 
tions of docking, nicking, and slight firing. The long line of the 
hobbles, or a common cart-rope, with a noose at the end, is fastened 
on the pastern of the hind-leg that is not to be operated on. The 
rope attached to it is then brought over the neck and round the 
withers, and there tied to the portion that comes from the leg. 
The leg may thus be drawn so far forward that, while the horse 
evidently cannot kick with that leg, he is disarmed of the other ; 
for he would not have sufficient support under him, if he attempt- 
ed to raise it : neither can he easily use his fore-legs ; or, if he at- 
tempts it, one of them may be lifted up, and then he becomes 
nearly powerless. If necessary, the aid of the twitch, or the bar- 
nacles, may be resorted to. 

For every minor operation, and even for many that are of more 
importance, this mode of restraint is sufficient, especially if the 
operator has active and determined assistants ; and we confess 
that we are no friends to the casting of horses, if it can possibly 
be prevented. When both legs are included in the hobble, or 
rope — as in another way of using the side-line — the horse may 
appear to be more secure ; but there is greater danger of his falling 
in his violent struggles during the operation. 

For castrating, and severe firing, the animal must be thrown. 
The safety of the horse, and of the operator, will require the use 



360 OPERATIONS. 

of the improved hobbles, by which any leg may be released from 
confinement, and returned to it at pleasure ; and, when the opera- 
tion is ended, the whole of the legs may be set at liberty at once, 
without danger. The method of putting the legs as closely to- 
gether as possible before the pull — the necessity of the assistants 
all pulling together — and the power which one man standing at 
the head, and firmly holding the snaffle-bridle, and another at the 
haunch, pushing the horse when he is beginning to fall, have in 
bringing him on the proper side, and on the very spot on which 
he is intended to lie, need not to be described. It will generally 
be found most convenient to throw the patients on the off side, 
turning them over when it is required. This, however, is a 
method of securing the horse to which we repeat that we are not 
partial, and to which we should not resort, except necessity com- 
pelled ; for in the fact of falling, and in the struggles after 
falling, many accidents have occurred, both to the horse and to 
the surgeon. 

Among the minor methods of restraint, but sufficient for many 
purposes, are the tivitch and the barnacles. The former consists 
of a noose passed through a hole at the end of a strong stick, and 
in which the muzzle is inclosed. The stick being turned round, 
the muzzle is securely retained, while the horse suffers considerable 
pain from the pressure — sufficiently great, indeed, to render him 
comparatively inattentive to that which is produced by the oper- 
ation ; at the same time he is afraid to struggle, for every motion 
increases the agony caused by the twitch, or the assistant has power 
to increase it by giving an additional turn to the stick. 

The degree of pain produced by the application of the twitch 
should never be forgotten or unnecessarily increased. In no case 
should it be resorted to when milder measures would have the de- 
sired effect. Grooms and horse-keepers are too much in the habit 
of having recourse to it when they have a somewhat troublesome 
horse to manage. The degree of useless torture which is thus in- 
flicted in large establishments is dreadful : and the temper of many 
a horse is too frequently completely spoiled. 

The barnacles are the handles of the pincers placed over and 
inclosing the muzzle, and which, being compressed by the assist- 
ant, give pain almost equal to that of the twitch. These may 
appear to be barbarous modes of enforcing submission, but they 
are absolutely indispensable. In a few instances the blindfbldiug 
of the horse terrifies him into submission ; but this is not to be 
depended upon. The twitch should be resorted to when the 
least resistance is offered ; and when that, as it occasionally does, 
renders the horse more violent, recourse must be had to the side- 
line or the hobbles. # 

In the painful examination of the fore-leg or foot while on the 



BLEEDING. ' 36 1 

ground, the other foot should be held up by an assistant , or, if 
[lis aid is required in an operation, the knee may be fully bent, 
and the pastern tied up to the arm. When the hind-leg is to be 
examined in the same way, the fore-leg on that side should be held 
or fastened up.* 

BLEEDING. 

The operation of bleeding has been already describ ;d (p. 166). 
but we would remind our readers of the necessity, in every case of 
acute inflammation, of making a large orifice, and abstracting the 
blood as rapidly as possible, for the constitution will thus be the 
more speedily and beneficially affected. 

The change which takes place in the blood after it is draAvn 
from the vein, is diligently noticed by many practitioners, and is 
certainly deserving of some attention. The blood coagulates soon 
after it is taken from the vein. The coagulable part is composed 
of two substances : that which gives color to the blood, and that 
in which the red particles float. These, by degrees, separate from 

• Xote by Mr. Spooner. — For the operations of nerving, firing, and many 
others, where it is necessary to be exact, we prefer casting the horse, as we 
have him then completely in our own power ; whereas, by the other re- 
straints, the operator is, in a great measure, at the mercy of the animal, who 
can effectually resist if he pleases. Besides which, in a case of lameness, 
there is great danger of injury arising from the plunging of the animal. If a 
soft bed is made, with dung at the bottom and straw at the top, there is but 
little risk in casting. During the last nineteen years, in many hundreds of 
operations, we have only met. with two cases of injury from casting, and these 
were in very old horses, whose spines proved to be anchylosed or set, and 
were thus much more liable to fracture. Where the object is to perform an 
otherwise painful operation without the infliction of pain, the use of sulphuric 
ether or of chloroform may be had recourse to. It is unnecessary to trace 
the history of these substances, so much having been of late written on the 
subject. The writer has used both with success, but the chloroform is pref 
erable from its greater strength. The horse, however, requires a large quan- 
tity before the powers of sensation are temporarily destroyed, viz., from two 
to four ounces. It may be applied by a simple sponge, but better by means 
of apparatus, by which expiration is permitted, and at the same time suffi 
cient air admitted to prevent dangerous effects following. The chloroform 
may be administered while the horse is in a standing position, and in some 
cases he will quietly fall or lie down ; but as, in other instances, he will re- 
sist with determination, and stand even after sensation is gone, it is the bet- 
ter plan, in order to save the chloroform, and shorten the time during which 
the horse is under its influence, to cast the animal first, when the chloroform 
can be immediately applied, and the operation commenced as soon as sensa- 
tion is removed. Or the chloroform can be applied when the horse is in a 
standing position, and the hobbles affixed at the same time, when, by means 
of the latter, the animal can be quietly thrown as soon as the former begins 
to act. This method will effect a saving of time. The use of chloroform is 
more suitable for short operations, such as nerving or castration, and the re 
tnoval of tumors, than for those occupying considerable time. 

P 



302 * BLISTERING. 

each othei, and the red particles sink to the bottom. If the coag- 
ulation takes place slowly, the red particles have more time to 
sink through the fluid, and there appears on the top a thick, yel- 
'owish, adhesive substance, called the buffy coat. The slowness 
of the coagulation and the thickness of buffy coat are indicative of 
inflammation, and of the degree of inflammation. 

In a healthy state of the system the coagulation is more rapid, 
the red particles have not time to fall through, and the buffy coat 
is thin. When the horse is exhausted, and the system nearly 
broken up, the blood will sometimes not coagulate, but be of one 
uniform black color and loose texture. When the blood runs 
down the side of the vessel in which it is received, the coajrula- 
tion will be very imperfect. When it is drawn in a full stream, 
it coagulates slowly, and when procured from a smaller orifice, the 
coagulation is more rapid. Every circumstance affecting the co- 
agulation and appearance of the blood, the pulse, and the general 
symptoms, should be most attentively regarded. 



BLISTERING. 

We have spoken of the effect of blisters, when treating of 
Ine various diseases to which they are applicable. The principle 
on which they act is, that no two intense inflammations can exist 
in neighboring parts, or perhaps in the system, at the same time. 

Blisters have likewise the property of increasing the activity 
of the neighboring vessels : thus we blister to bring the tumor of 
strangles more speedily to a head — to rouse the absorbents gen- 
erally to more energetic action, and cause the disappearance of 
tumors, and even callous and bony substances. 

The judgment of the practitioner will decide whether the de- 
sired effect will be best produced by a sudden and violent action, 
or by the continuance of one of a milder character. Inflamma- 
tion should be met by active blisters ; old enlargements and swell 
ings will be most certainly removed by milder stimulants — by the 
process which farriers call sweating down. 

There is no better or more effectual blister than an ointment 
composed of one part of powdered Spanish flies and four of lard 
and one of resin. The lard and the resin should be melted to- 
gether, and the powdered flies afterwards added. The best liquid 
or sweating blister is an infusion of the fly in spirit of turpentine, 
and that lowered with neat's foot oil, according to the degree of 
activity required. 

In preparing the horse for blistering, the hair should be clipped 
or shaved as closely as possible, and the ointment thoroughly 
rubbed in. Much fault is often found with the ointment if I he 



BLISTERING. 3(33 

blister does not rise, but the failure is generally to be attributed 
to the idleness of the operator. 

The head of the horse should be tied up during the first two 
days ; except that, when the sides are blistered, the body-clothes 
may be so contrived as to prevent the animal from nibbling and 
blemishing the part, or blistering his muzzle. At the expiration 
of twenty-four hours, a little olive or neat's foot oil should be ap- 
plied over the blister, which will considerably lessen the pain and 
supple the part, and prevent cracks in the skin that may be diffi- 
cult to heal. The oil should be applied morning and night, until 
the scabs peel off. When they begin to loosen, a lather of soap 
and water applied with a sponge, may hasten their removal, but 
uo violence must be used. 

Every particle of litter should be carefully removed from the 
stall, ibr the sharp ends of the straw coming in contact with a 
part rendered so tender and irritable by the blister, will cause a 
very great annoyance to the animal. After the second day the 
horse may be suffered to lie down ; but the possibility of blem- 
ishing himself should be prevented by a cradle or wooden neck- 
lace, consisting of round strips of wood, strung together, reaching 
f rom the lower jaw to the chest, and preventing him from suffi- 
ciently turning or bending his head to get at the blistered part. 

A blister thus treated will rarely produce the slightest blemish. 
When the scabs are all removed, the blister may be repeated, if the 
case should appear to require it, or the horse may be turned out 

In inflammations which threaten life, a blister can scarcely be 
too active or extensive. In inflammation of the lungs, it should 
reach over the whole of the sides, and the greater part of the 
brisket, for, should a portion of the fly be absorbed, and produce 
strangury (inflammation, or spasmodic affection of the neck of 
the bladder,) even this new irritation may assist in subduing the 
first and more dangerous one. In blistering, however, lor injuries 
or diseases of the legs or feet, some caution is necessary. When 
speaking of the treatment of sprain of the back-sinews, p. 260, 
it was stated, that " a blister should never be used while any heat 
or tenderness remained about the part," for we should then add 
to the superficial inflammation, instead of abating the deeper- 
seated one, and enlargements of the limb and extensive ulcera- 
tions might follow, which would render the horse perfectly unser- 
viceable. When there is a tendency to grease, a blister is a 
dangerous thing, and has often aggravated the disease. In win- 
ter, the inflammation of the skin produced by blistering is apt to 
degenerate into grease ; therefore, if it should be necessary to 
blister the horse during that season, great care must be taken th*.t 
he is not exposed to cold, and, particularly, that a current of coid 
air does not come upon the legs 



364 FIRING. 

The inhuman practice of blistering all round at the same time, 
and perhaps high on the legs, cannot be too strongly reprobated. 
Many a valuable horse has been lost through the excessive gen- 
eral irritation which this has produced, or its violent effect on the 
urinary organs ; and that has been particularly the case, when 
corrosive sublimate has entered into the composition of the blister. 

If strangury should appear, the horse should be plentifully 
supplied with linseed tea, which is thus best prepared — a gallon 
of boiling water is thrown on half a pound of linseed ; the infu- 
sion suffered to stand until nearly cold, and the clean mucilaginous 
fluid then poured off. Three-quarters of a pound of Epsom salts 
should also be given, dissolved in a quart of water, and, alter that, 
a ball every six hours, containing opium and camphor, with lin- 
seed meal and treacle. 

Half a pound or a pound of good mustard powder, made into 
a paste with boiling water, and applied hot, will often produce as 
good a blister as cantharides. It is a preferable one, when, as in 
inflammation of the kidneys, the effect of cantharides on the uri- 
nary organs is feared. Hartshorn is not so effectual. Tincture 
of croton makes an active liquid blister, and so do some of the 
preparations of iodine. # 

FIRING. 

Whatever seeming cruelty may attend this operation, it is in 
many cases indispensable. The principle on which we have re- 
course to it is similar to that which justifies the use of a blister — 
by producing superficial inflammation we may be enabled to get 
rid of a deeper-seated one, or we may excite the absorbents to 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — There has been a vast deal of puffing and hum- 
bug mixed up with the subject of blistering : — ointments and liniments have 
been sold under various captivating titles, and professing to be so amiable 
in their effects, as to require no tying up of the horse's head when the ani- 
mal is submitted to the operation. Now, it should be borne in mind, that 
the effect of a blister being to stimulate violently the sensitive cutis and 
cause it to throw up the scarf skin in the form of bladders, this cannot be 
accomplished without pain and irritation Of course, if from the weakness 
of the application a lesser effect is produced, the irritation is so much the 
less. Cantharides is the base of nearly all blisters, and its action is pretty 
much the same, whether applied in the usual blistering ointment or in some 
unguent of peculiar and astonishing efficacy, distinguished alike for the most 
opposite virtues, — combining the strength of the lion with the mildness of 
the dove. It is a fact that nine horses out of ten will not attempt to blem 
ish themselves ; and it is the knowledge of this fact that induces the puffers 
of these blisters to state that the animal does not require his head to be tied 
up. The careful veterinary surgeon will, however, use proper precautions 
in all cases, though only one in ten may actually require it. The writer has 
Known ahorse tear up the stones under his feet from the irritation pioduceu 
by James's blister 



FIRING. 3G5 

remove an unnatural bony or other tumor, it raises more intense 
external inflammation than we can produce by any other means. 
It may be truly said to be the most powerful agent that we have 
at our disposal. Humanity, however, will dictate, that on account 
of the inflammation which it excites, and the pain it inflicts, it 
should only be had recourse to when milder means rarely succeed. 

Some practitioners blister immediately after firing. As a gen- 
eral usage it is highly to be reprobated. It is wanton and useless 
cruelty. It may be required in bony tumors of considerable ex- 
tent, and long standing, and interfering materially with the ac- 
tion of the neighboring joint. Spavin accompanied by much 
lameness, and ring-bone spreading round the coronet and involv- 
ing the side cartilages or the pastern joint, may justify it. The 
inflammation is rendered more intense, and of considerably longer 
duration. In old affections of the round bone it may be admitted, 
but no excuse can be made for it in slighter cases of sprain or 
weakness, or staleness. 

On the day after the operation, it will be prudent gently 
to rub some neat's foot oil, or lard, over the wound. This will 
soften the skin, and render it less likely to separate or ulcerate. A 
bandage would add to the irritation of the part. Any cracks of 
the skin, or ulcerations that may ensue, must be treated with the 
calamine ointment. 

It will be evident that there is an advantage derived from 
tiring to which a blister can have no pretension. The skin, par- 
tially destroyed by the iron, is reinstated and healed, not merely 
by the formation of some new matter filling up the vacuity, but 
by the gradual drawing together and closing of the separated 
edges. The skin, therefore, is lessened in surface. It is tight- 
ened over the part, and it acts, as just described, as a salutary 
and permanent bandage. Of the effect of pressure in removing 
enlargements of every kind, as well as giving strength to the part 
to which it is applied, we have repeatedly spoken ; and it is far 
from being the least valuable effect of the operation of firing, 
that, by contracting the skin, it affords a salutary, equable, and 
permanent pressure. For whatever reason the horse is fired, he 
should, if possible, be turned out, or soiled in a loose box, for three 
or four months at least. The full effect intended to result from 
the external irritation is not soon produced, and the benefit de- 
rived from pressure proceeds still more slowly. 

The firing in every case should be either in longitudinal or par- 
allel lines. On the back sinews, the fetlocks, and the coronet, 
this is peculiarly requisite, for thus only will the skin contract so 
as to form the greatest and most equable pressure. The lines 
should be about half an inch from each other.* 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Notwithstanding its seeming cruelty, it cannot 



366 SETONS. 



SETONS 



Are pieces of tape or cord, passed, by means of an instrument re- 
sembling a large needle, either through abscesses, or the base of 
ulcers with deep sinuses, or between the skin and the muscular 
or other substances beneath. They are retained there by the 
nds being tied together, or by a knot at each end. The tape is 
moved in the wound twice or thrice in the day, and occasionally 
wetted with spirit of turpentine, or some acrid fluid, in order to 
increase the inflammation which it produces, or the discharge 
which is intended to be established. 

In abscesses, such as occur in the withers or the poll, and when 
passed from the summit to the very bottom of the swelling, setons 
are highly useful, by discharging the purulent fluid, (pus or matter), 
and suffering any fresh quantity of it that may be secreted to 
flow out ; and, by the degree of inflammation which they excite 
on the interior of the tumor, stimulating it to throw out healthy 
granulations which gradually occupy and fill the hollow. In deep 
fistulous wounds they are indispensable, for except some channel 
is made through which the matter may flow from the bottom of the 
wound, it will continue to penetrate deeper into the part, and the 
healing process will never be accomplished. On these accounts, 
a seton passed through the base of the ulcer in poll-evil and fis- 
tulous withers is of so much benefit. 

Setons are sometimes useful by promoting a discharge in the 
neighborhood of an inflamed part, and thus diverting and carry- 
ing away a portion of the fluids which distend or overload the 
vessels of that part : thus a seton is placed with considerable ad- 
vantage in the cheek, when the eyes are much inflamed. We 
confess, however, that we prefer a rowel under the jaw. 

With this view, and to excite a new and different inflamma- 
tion in the neighborhood of a part already inflamed, and espe- 
cially so deeply seated and so difficult to be reached as the navic- 
ular joint, a seton has occasionally been used with manifest ben- 
efit, but we must peremptorily object to the indiscriminate use 
of the frog-seton for almost every disease of the frog or the foot. 

In inflammations of extensive organs, setons afford only feeble 
aid. Their action is too circumscribed. In inflammation of the 
chest or the intestines, a rowel is preferable to a seton ; and a 
blister is far better than any of them. 

be denied that this operation often succeeds when all the other methods of 
cure have failed. "We have little or nothing to add as to the mode of per- 
forming the operation, only that we prefer the lines to be made in the 
oblique or feather form, simply because it is as effectual as the perpendicu- 
lar tiring, as regards the bandage, and leaves a lesser blemish as the linen 
become covered by the hair growing from above. 



docktng. 3f-7 

On the principle of exciting the absorbents to action for the 
removal of tumors, as spavin or splent, a blister is quicker in 
its action, and far more effectual than any seton Firing is still 
more useful.* 

DOCKING. 

The shortening of the tail of the horse is an operation which 
fashion and the convenience of the rid ar require to be performed 
on most of these animals. 

The operation is simple. That joint is searched for which is 
the nearest to the desired length of tail. The hair is then turned 
up, and tied round with tape for an inch or two above this joint, 
and that which lies immediately upon this joint is cut off. The 
horse is fettered with the side-line, and then the veterinary sur- 
geon with his docking-machine, or the farmer with his carving- 
knife and mallet, cuts through the tail at one stroke. 

The bleeding which ensues is rarely injurious, but as it would 
occasionally continue some hours and weaken the animal, it is 
customary to stop it by the application of a hot iron. 

A large hole is made in the centre of the iron, that the bone 
may not be seared, which would exfoliate (scale off) if it were 
burned with any severity, or drop off at the joint above, and thus 
shorten the dock. The iron rests on the muscular parts round 
the bone, and is brought into contact with the bleeding vessels, 
and very speedily stops the bleeding. Care should be taken that 
the iron is not too hot — and that it is not held too long or too 
forcibly on the part, for many more horses would be destroyed by 
severe application of the cautery, than by the bleeding being left 
to its own course. 

Powdered resin sprinkled on the stump, or indeed any other 
application, is worse than useless. It causes unnecessary irrita- 
tion, and sometimes extensive ulceration ; but if the simple iron 
is moderately applied, the horse may go to work immediately 
after the operation, and no dressing will be afterwards required 
If a slight bleeding should occur after the cautery, it is much 
better to let it alone than to run the risk of inflammation or 
locked-jaw, by re-applying the iron with greater severity. 

Some farmers dock their colts a few days after they are drop- 
ped. This is a commendable custom on the score of humanity 
No colt was ever lost by it ; and neither the growth of the haii, 
nor the beauty of the tail, is in the least impaired. 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — We are more favorable than our author to the 
use of setons ; they are equally effectual and far more cleanly than rowels, 
and a deep-seated and continued action may be kept up with little or do 
pain to the animal. They are often preferable to other methods of treat- 
ment for diseases of the hocks, and we have found the use of the frog seton» 
in many in*>ancps, extremely beneficial. 



368 NICKING. 



NICKING. 



This barbarous operation was once sanctioned by fashion, and 
the breeder and the dealer even now are sometimes tempted to 
inflict the torture of it in order to obtain a ready sale for their 
colts. It is not, however, practised to the extent that it used to 
be, nor attended by so many circumstances of cruelty. 

The operation is thus performed. The side-line is put on the 
horse, or some persons deem it more prudent to cast him, and 
that precaution we should be disposed to recommend. The hair 
at the end of the tail is securely tied together, for the purpose of 
afterwards attaching a weight to it. The operator then grasps 
the tail in his hand, and, lifting it up, feels for the centre of one 
of the bones — the prominences at the extremities will guide him 
— from two to four inches from the root of the tail, according to 
the size of the horse. He then, with a sharp knife, divides the 
muscles deeply from the edge of the tail on one side to the centre, 
and, continuing the incision across the bone of the tail, he makes 
it as deep on the other side. One continued incision, steadily 
yet rapidly made, will accomplish all this. If it is a blood-horse 
that is operated on, this will be sufficient. For a hunter, two 
incisions are usually made, the second being about two inches 
below the first, and likewise as nearly as possible in the centre 
of one of the bones. 

On a hackney, or cocktail, a third incision is made ; for fashion 
has decided that his tail shall be still more elevated and curved 
Two incisions only are made in the tail of a mare, and the second 
not very deep. 

When the second incision is made, some fibres of the musclee 
between the first and second will project into the wound, and 
must be removed by a pair of curved scissors. The same must 
be done with the projecting portions from between the second 
and third incisions. The wound should then be carefully ex- 
amined, in order to ascertain that the muscles have been equally 
divided on each side, otherwise the tail will be carried awry. 
This being done, pledgets of tow must be introduced deeply into 
each incision, and confined, but not too tightly, by a bandage. 
A very profuse bleeding will alone justify any tightness of baud- 
age, and the ill consequences that have resulted from nicking are 
mainly attributable to the unnecessary force that is used in con- 
lining these pledgets. Even if the bleeding, immediately aftei 
the operation, should have been very great, the roller must be 
loosened in two or three hours, otherwise swelling and inflamma- 
tion, and even death, may possibly ensue. Twenty-four hours 
after the operation, the bandage must be quite removed ; and 



NICKING. 359 

then, all that is necessary, so far as the healing of the incisions 
is concerned, is to keep them clean. 

The wounds must remain open, and that can only be accom- 
plished by forcibly keeping the tail curved back during two or 
three weeks. For this purpose a cord, one or two feet in length, 
is affixed to the end of the hair, which terminates in another 
divided cord, each division going over a pully on either side of 
the back of the stall. A weight is hung at either extremity suf- 
ficient to keep the incisions properly open, and regulated by the 
degree in which this is wished to be accomplished. The animal 
will thus be retained hi an uneasy position, although, after the 
first two or three days, probably not of acute pain. It is barbar- 
ous to increase this uneasiness or pain by affixing too great a 
weight to the cords ; for it should be remembered that the proper 
elevated curve is given to the tail, not by the weight of keeping 
it in a certain position for a considerable time, but by the depth 
of the first incisions, and the degree in which the wounds are 
kept open. 

The dock should not — for the first three or four days — be 
brought higher than the back. Dangerous irritation and infiam- 
mation would probably be produced. It may, after that, be 
gradually raised to an elevation of forty-five degrees. The horse 
should be taken out of the pulleys, and gently exercised once or 
twice every day ; but the pulleys cannot finally be dispensed 
with until a fortnight after the wounds have healed, because 
the process of contraction, or the approach of the divided parts, 
goes on for some time after the skin is perfect over the incisions, 
and the tail would thus sink below the desired elevation. 

If the tail has not been unnecessarily extended by enormous 
weights, no bad consequences will usually follow ; but if consid- 
erable inflammation should ensue, the tail must be taken from 
the pulley and diligently fomented with simple warm water, and 
a dose of physic given. Locked-jaw has in some rare instances 
followed, under which the horse generally perishes. The best 
means of cure in the early state of this disease is to amputate the 
tail at the joint above the highest incision. In order to prevent 
the hair from coming off, it sliouid be unplaited and combed out 
every fourth or fifth day 

P 



24 



CHAPTER XIX. 



THE VICES AND DISAGREEABLE OR DANGEROUS HABITS 
OF THE HORSE. 

The horse lias many excellent qualities, but he has likewise 
defects, and these occasionally amounting to vices. Some of 
them may be attributed to natural temper, for the human being 
scarcely discovers more peculiarities of habit and disposition than 
does the horse. The majority of them, however, as perhaps in 
the human being, are the consequences of a faulty education. 
Then early instructor has been ignorant and brutal, and they 
have become obstinate and vicious. 

RESTIVENESS. 

At the head of all the vices of the horse is restiveness, the 
most annoying and the most dangerous of all. It is the produce 
of bad temper and worse education ; and, like all other habits 
founded on nature and stamped by education, it is inveterate. 
Whether it appears in the form of kicking, or rearing, plunging, 
or bolting, or in any way that threatens danger to the rider or 
the horse, it rarely admits of cure. A determined rider may to 
a certain extent subjugate the animal ; or the horse may have 
nis favorites, or form his attachments, and with some particular 
person he may be comparatively or perfectly manageable ; but 
others cannot long depend upon him, and even his master is not 
always sure of him. It is a rule, that admits of very few ex- 
ceptions, that he neither displays his wisdom nor consults his 
safety, who attempts to conquer a restive horse. 

BACKING OR GIBBING* 

One of the first kinds of restiveness, taking them in alphabeti- 
cal order, is backing or gibbing. These are so closely allied that 
we hardly know how to separate them. Some horses have the 

* Termed " balking" in the United States, and the horse accustomed te 
it is said to be " balky." — Am. Ed 



GipuiNG. 371 

habit of backing at first starting, and that more from playfulness 
than desire of mischief. A moderate application of the whip 
will usually be effectual. Others, even after starting, exhibit 
considerable obstinacy and viciousness. This is frequently the 
effect of bad breaking. Either the shoulder of the horse had 
been wrung when he was first put to the collar, or he had been 
foolishly accustomed to be started in the break up-hill, and, 
therefore, all his work coming upon him at once, he gradually 
acquired this dangerous habit. 

A hasty and passionate breaker will often make a really good- 
tempered young horse an inveterate gibber. Every young horse 
is at first shy of the collar. If he is too quickly forced to throw 
his weight into it, he will possibly take a dislike to it, that wilJ 
occasionally show itself in the form of gibbing as long as he 
lives. The judicious horse-breaker will resort to no severity. 
even if the colt should go out several times without even touch- 
ing collar. The example of his companion will ultimately induce 
him + o take it voluntarily and effectually. 

A large and heavy stone should be put behind the wheel be- 
fore starting, when the horse, finding it more difficult to back 
lhan to go forward, will gradually forget this unpleasant trick. 
It will likewise be of advantage as often as it can be managed, 
so to start that the horse shall have to back up-hill. The diffi 
culty of accomplishing this will soon make him readily go for- 
ward. A little coaxing, or leading, or moderate flagellation, will 
assist in accomplishing the cure. 

When, however, a horse, thinking he has had enough of work, 
or has been improperly checked or corrected, or beginning to feel 
the painful pressure of the collar, swerves, and gibs, and backs, 
it is a more serious matter. Persuasion should first be tried ; and, 
afterwards, reasonable coercion, but no cruelty : for the brutality 
which is often exercised to compel a gibbing horse to throw him- 
self habitually into the collar, never yet accomplished the purpose. 
The horse, may, perhaps, be whipped into motion ; but if he 
has once begun to gib, he will have recourse to it again whenever 
any circumstance displeases or annoys him, and the habit will be 
so rapidly and completely formed, that he will become insensible* 
to all severity. 

Sometimes a horse not often accustomed to gib, betrays a relu 
tance to move, or a determination not to move. Before resortin b 
to severity, the cause, if practicable, should be ascertained. The 
horse may be overtaxed, his withers may be wrung, or he may 
be insupportably galled or pained by the harness. These things 
should be examined into, and, if possible, rectified ; for, under 
such circumstances, cruelty may produ e obstinacy and vi^e, but 
not willing- obedjencr 



372 BITING CHEEK OF THE BIT IN THE MOUTH 

They who are accustomed to horses know what seemingly 
trivial circumstances occasionally produce this vice. A horse, 
whose shoulders are raw, or have frequently been so, will not 
start with a cold collar. When the collar has acquired the 
warmth of the parts on which it presses, the animal will go with- 
out reluctance. Some determined gibbers have been reformed by 
constantly wearing a false collar, or strip of cloth round the 
shoulders, so that the coldness of the usual collar should never be 
felt ; and others have been cured of gibbing by keeping the collar 
on night and day, for the animal is not able to lie down completely 
at full length, which the tired horse is always glad to do. 
When a horse gibs, not at starting, but while doing his work, it 
has sometimes been useful to line the collar with cloth instead 
of leather ; the perspiration is readily absorbed, the substance 
which presses on the shoulder is softer, and it may be far more 
accurately eased off at a tender place. 

BITING. 

This is either the consequence of natural ferocity, or a habit 
acquired from the foolish and teasing play of grooms and stable- 
boys. When a horse is tickled and pinched by thoughtless 
and mischievous youths, he will first pretend to bite his tor- 
mentors ; by degrees he will proceed farther, and actually bite 
them, and very soon after that, he will be the first to challenge 
to the combat, and, without provocation, seize some opportunity 
to gripe the incautious tormentor. At length, as the love of 
mischief is* a propensity too easily acquired, this war, half play- 
ful and half in earnest, becomes habitual to him, and degen- 
erates into absolute viciousness. 

It is seldom that anything can be done in the way of cure. 
Kindness will aggravate the evil, and no degree of severity 
will correct it. " I have seen," says Professor Stewart, " biters 
punished until they trembled in every joint, and were ready to 
drop, but have never in any case known them cured by this 
treatment, or by any other. The lash is forgotten in an hour, 
and the horse is as ready and determined to repeat the offence 
as before. He appears unable to resist the temptation, and in 
its worst form biting is a species of insanity." 

Prevention, however, is in the power of every proprietor of 
horses. While he insists on gentle and humane treatment of 
his cattle, he should systematically forbid this horse-play. 

GETTING THE CHEEK OF THE BIT INTO THE MOUTH. 

Some horses that are disposed to be mischievous try to do 
this, and are very expert at it. They soon find what a<] vantage 



KICKING. 373 

it gives them over their driver, who by this manoeuvre loses al- 
most all command. Harsh treatment is here completely out of 
the question. AJ1 that can be done, is, by some mechanical 
contrivance, to render the thing difficult or impossible, and this 
may be managed by fastening a round piece of leather on the 
inside of the cheek of the bit. 

KICKING. 

This, as a vice, is another consequence of the culpable habit 
of grooms and stable-boys of teasing the horse. That which is 
at first an indication of annoyance at the pinching and tickling 
of the groom, and without any design to injure, gradually be- 
comes the expression of anger, and the effort to do mischief. 
The horse likewise too soon recognizes the least appearance of 
timidity, and takes advantage of the discovery. There is no 
cure for this vice ; and he cannot be justified who keeps a kick- 
ing horse in his stable. 

Some horses acquire, from mere irritability and fidgetiness, a 
habit of kicking at the stall or the bail, and particularly at 
night. The neighboring horses are disturbed, and the kicker 
gets swelled hocks, or some more serious injury. This is also 
a habit very difficult to correct if suffered to become established 
Mares are far more subject to it than horses. 

Before the habit is inveterately established, a thorn-bush or a 
piece of furze fastened against the partition or post will some- 
times effect a cure. When the horse finds that he is pretty 
severely pricked, he will not long continue to punish himself. In 
confirmed cases it may be necessary to have recourse to the log, 
but the legs are often not a little bruised by it. A rather long 
and heavy piece of wood attached to a chain has been buckled 
above the hock, so as to reach about half-way down the leg. 
When the horse attempts to kick violently, his leg will re- 
ceive a severe blow : this, and the repetition of it, may, after 
a time, teach him to be quiet. 

A much more serious vice is kicking in harness. From the 
least annoyance about the rump or quarters, some horses will 
kick at a most violent rate, and destroy the bottom ot the chaise, 
and endanger the limbs of the driver. Those that are fidgety 
in the stable are most apt to do this. If the reins should per- 
chance get under the tail, the violence of the kicker will often 
be most outrageous ; and while the animal presses down his 
tail so tightly that it is almost impossible to extricate the reins, 
he continues to plunge until he has demolished everything behind 
him. 

This is a vice standing foremost in point of danger, and which 



37-1 UNSTEADINESS WHILE BEING MOUNTED REARING. 

no treatment will always conquer. It will be altogether in vain 
to try coercion. If the shafts are very strong and without flaw, 
or if they are plated with iron underneath, and a stout kicking- 
strap resorted to which will barely allow the horse the proper 
use of his hind limbs in progression, but not permit him to raise 
them sufficiently for the purpose of kicking, he may be pre- 
sented from doing mischief; or if he is harnessed to a heavy 
cart, and thus confined, his efforts to lash out will be restrained : 
but it is frequently a very unpleasant thing to witness these 
attempts, though ineffectual, to demolish the vehicle, for the 
shafts or the kicking-strap may possibly break, and extreme dan- 
ger may ensue. A horse that has once begun to kick, whatever 
may have been the original cause of it, can never be depended 
upon again, and he will be very unwise who ventures behind 
him. The man, however, who must come within reach of a 
kicker should come as close to him as possible. The blow ma} 
thus become a push, and seldom is injurious. 

UNSTEADINESS WHILE BEING MOUNTED. 

When this merely amounts to eagerness to start — very un 
pleasant, indeed, at times, for many a rider has been thrown 
from his seat before he was fairly fixed in it — it may be 
remedied by an active and good horseman. We have known 
many instances in which, while the elderly, and inactive, and 
fearful man has been making more than one ineffectual attempt 
to vault into the saddle, the horse has been dancing about to his 
annoyance and danger ; but the animal had no sooner been trans- 
ferred to the management of a younger and more agile rider 
than he became perfectly subdued. Severity will here, more 
decidedly than in any other case, do harm. The rider should be 
fearless — he should carelessly and confidently approach the horse, 
mount at the first effort, and then restrain him for a while ; 
patting him, and not suffering him to proceed until he becomes 
perfectly quiet. Horses of this kind should not be too highly 
fed, and should have sufficient daily exercise. 

When the difficulty of mounting arises, not from eagerness to 
start, but unwillingness to be ridden, the sooner that horse is 
disposed of the better. He may be conquered by a skilful and 
determined horseman ; but even he will not succeed without 
frequent and dangerous contests that will mar all the pleasure 
of the ride. 

REARING. 

This sometimes results from playfulness, carried indeed, to an 
unpleasant and dangerous extent ; but it is often er a desperate 



RUNNING AWAY VICIOUS TO CLEAN. 375 

and occasionally successful effort to unhorse the rider, and conse* 
quetitly a vice. The horse that has twice decidedly and danger 
ously reared, should never be trusted again, unless, indeed, it waa 
the fault of the rider, who had been using a deep curb and a 
sharp bit. Some of the best horses will contend against thes« 
and then rearing may be immediately and permanently cured by 
using a snaffle-bridle alone. 

The horse-breaker's remedy, that of pulling the horse back- 
ward on a soft piece of ground, should be practised by reckless 
and brutal fellows alone. Many horses have been injured in the 
spine, and others have broken their necks, by being thus suddenly 
pulled over ; while even the fellow who fears no danger, is not 
always able to extricate himself from the falling horse. If rear- 
ing proceeds from vice, and is unprovoked by the bruising and 
laceration of the mouth, it fully partakes of the inveteracy which 
attends the other divisions of restiveness. 

RUNNING AWAY. 

Some headstrong horses will occasionally endeavor to bolt with 
the best rider. Others with their wonted sagacity endeavor thus 
to dislodge the timid or unskilful one. Some are hard to hold, 
or bolt only during the excitement of the chase ; others will run 
away, prompted by a vicious propensity alone. There is no cer- 
tain cure here. The method which affords any probabil- 
ity of success is, to ride such a horse with a strong curb and 
sharp bit ; to have him always firmly in hand ; and, if he will 
run away, and the place will admit of it, to give him (sparing 
neither curb, whip, nor spur) a great deal more running than he 
likes. 

VICIOUS TO CLEAN. 

It would scarcely be credited to what an extent this exists in 
some horses that are otherwise perfectly quiet. It is only at great 
hazard that they can be cleansed at all. The origin of this is 
probably some maltreatment. There is, however, a great differ- 
ence in the sensibility of the skin in different horses. Some seem 
as if they could scarcely be made to feel the whip, while others 
cannot bear a fly to light on them without an expression of an- 
noyance. In young horses the skin is peculiarly delicate. If 
they have been curried with a broken comb, or hardly rubbed 
with an uneven brush, the recollection of the torture they have 
felt makes them impatient, and even vicious, during every suc- 
ceeding operation of the kind. Many grooms, likewise, seem to 
delight in producing these exhibitions of uneasiness and vice ; 



37G VICIOUS TO SHOE. 

although, when they are carried a little too far, and at the Jiaz 
ard of the limbs of the groom, the animals that have been almost 
tutored into these expressions of irritation are brutally kicked and 
punished. 

This, however, is a vice that may be conquered. If the horse 
is dressed with a lighter hand, and wisped rather than brushed, 
and the places where the skin is most sensitive are avoided as 
much as thorough cleanliness will allow, he will gradually lose 
the recollection of former ill-treatment, and become tractable and 
quiet.* 

VICIOUS TO SHOE. 

The correction of this is more peculiarly the business of tin 
smith ; yet the master should diligently concern himself with it, 
for it is oftener the consequence of injudicious or bao nsage than 
of natural vice. It may be expected that there will be some dif- 
ficulty in shoeing a horse for the first few times. It is an opera- 
tion that gives him a little uneasiness. The man to whom he is 
most accustomed should go with him to the forge ; and if anothei 
and steady horse is shod before him, he may be induced more 
readily to submit. It cannot be denied that, after the habit of 
resisting this necessary operation is formed, force may sometimes 
be necessary to reduce our rebellious servant to obedience ; but 
we unhesitatingly affirm that the majority of horses vicious to 
s/we are rendered so by harsh usage, and by the pain of correc- 
tion being added to the uneasiness of shoeing. It should be a 
rule in every forge that no smith should be permitted to strike a 
horse, much less to twitch or to gag him, without the master- far- 
rier's order ; and that a young horse should never be twitched or 
struck. There are few horses that may not be gradually ren- 
dered manageable for this purpose by mildness and firmness in 
the operator. They will soon understand that no harm is meant, 
and they will not forget their usual habit of obedience ; but if 
the remembrance of corporal punishment is connected with shoe- 
ing, they will always be fidgety, and occasionally dangerous.! 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — In some instances the skin is so irritable that 
the horse really endures a great deal of misery every time he is cleaned, 
besides expending a great deal of muscular exertion needlessly. The rem- 
edy for this is very simple ; instead of being currycombed and wiped, he 
should be simply washed over with warm water on his coming in warm 
from a journey, then gently scraped and covered with a rug. The warmth 
of the body will very soon dry the skin. 

\ Note by Mr. Spooner. — This is certainly a very bad vice, and one, in- 
deed, that very materially diminishes the value of the horse, for it is a habit 
that generally gets worse at each time of shoeing. It is not so much the 
kicking of the horse that is to be feared, but the animal will bear his whole 



SWALLOWING WITHOUT GRINDING. 377 



SWALLOWING WITHOUT GRINDING. 

Horses have many unpleasant habits in the stable and on the 
road, which cannot be said to amount to vice, but which mate- 
rially lessen their value. 

Some greedy horses habitually swallow their grain without 
properly grinding it, and the power of digestion not being ade- 
quate to the dissolving of the husk, no nutriment is extracted, 
and the oats are voided whole. This is particularly the case 
when horses of unequal appetite feed from the same manger. 
The greedy one, in his eagerness to get more then his share, bolts 
a portion of his grain whole. If the farmer, without considerable 
inconvenience, could contrive that every horse shall have his 
separate division of the manger, the one of smaller appetite and 
slower feed would have the opportunity of grinding at his leisure, 
without the fear of the greater share being stolen by his neigh- 
bor. 

Some horses, however, are naturally greedy feeders, and will 
not, even when alone, allow themselves time to chew or grind 
their grain. In consequence of this they carry but little flesh, 
and are not equal to severe work. If the rack was supplied with 
hay when the grain was put into the manger, they will continue 
to eat on, and their stomachs will become distended with half- 
chewed and indigestible food. In consequence of this they will 
be incapable of considerable exertion for a long time after feed- 
ing, and, occasionally, dangerous symptoms of staggers will 
occur. 

The remedy is, not to let such horses fast too long. The nose- 
bag should be the companion of every considerable journey. 
The food should likewise be of such a nature that it cannot be 
rapidly bolted. Chaff should be plentifully mixed with the grain, 
and, in some cases, and especially in horses of slow work, it should, 
with the grain, constitute the whole of the food. This will be 
treated on more at large under the article " Feeding." 

In every case of this kind the teeth should be carefully exam- 
ined. Some of them may be unduly lengthened, particularly the 
first of the grinders : or they may be ragged at the edges, and 
may abrade and wound the cheek. In the first place the horse 
cannot properly masticate his food ; in the latter he will not , 

weight on the foot required to be shod, so that the smith is unable to lift it 
up, or afterwards to support it ; besides which the animal will keep continu 
ally kicking or endeavoring to get the foot away, to the imminent danger 
of the limbs of the unfortunate operative. This deplorable and vicious habit 
is greatly increased, if not altogether produced, by rough usage at the early 
ghoeings, and it generally gets worse at each time of shoeing, so that the 
horse is often rendered at last completely worthless 



378 CRIB-BITING. 

for these animals, as too often happens in sore-throat, would rather 
starve than put themselves to much pain. 

CRIB-BITING. 

This is a very unpleasant habit, and a considerable defect, al- 
though not so serious a one as some have represented. The horse 
lays hold of the manger with his teeth, violently extends his neck, 
and then, after some convulsive action of the throat, a slight 
grunting is heard, accompanied by a sucking or drawing in of 
air. It is not an effort at simple eructation, arising from indiges- 
tion. It is the inhalation of air. It is that which takes place 
with all kinds of diet, and when the stomach is empty as well as 
when it is full. 

The effects of crib-biting are plain enough. The teeth are in- 
jured and worn away, and that, in an old horse, to a very serious 
degree. A considerable quantity of grain is often lost, for the 
horse will frequently crib with his mouth full of it, and the 
greater part will fall over the edge of the manger. Much 
saliva escapes while the manger is thus forcibly held, the loss of 
which must be of serious detriment in impairing the digestion. 
The crib-biting horse is notoriously more subject to colic than 
other horses, and to a species difficult of treatment and frequently 
dangerous. Although many a crib-biter is stout and strong, and 
capable of all ordinary work, these horses do not generally carry 
so much flesh as others, and have not their endurance. On these 
accounts crib-biting has very properly been decided to be un- 
soundness We must not look to the state of the disease at the 
time of purchase. The question is, does it exist at all ? A case 
was tried before Lord Tenterden, and thus decided ; " a horse 
with crib-biting is unsound." 

It is one of those tricks which are exceedingly contagious. 
Every companion of a crib-biter in the same stables is likely to 
acquire the habit, and it is the most inveterate of all habits. 
The edge of the manger will in vain be lined with iron, or with 
sheep-skin, or with sheep-skin covered with tar or aloes, or 
any other unpleasant substance. In defiance of the annoyance 
which these may occasion, the horse will persist in the attack on 
his manger. A strap buckled tightly round the neck, by compress- 
ing the wind-pipe, is the best means of preventing the possibility 
of this trick ; but the strap must be constantly worn, and its 
pressure is too apt to produce a worse affection, viz., an irritation 
;n the windpipe, which terminates in roaring. 

Some have recommended turning out for five or six months ; 
but this has never succeeded except with a young horse, and then 
rarely. The old crib-biter will employ the gate for the same 



WIND-SUCKING CUTTING. 379 

purpose as the edge of his manger, and we have often seen him 
galloping across a field for the mere object of having a gripe at 
a rail. Medicine will be altogether thrown away in this case. 

The only remedy is a muzzle, with bars across the bottom ; 
sufficiently wide to enable the animal to pick up his corn and to 
pull his hay, but not to grasp the edge of the manger. If this is 
worn lor a considerable period, the horse may be tired of attempt- 
ingthat which he cannot accomplish, and for a while forget the 
habit, but in a majority of cases, the desire of crib-biting will re 
turn with the power of gratifying it. 

The causes of crib-biting are various, and some of them beyond 
the control of the proprietor of the horse. It is often the result 
of imitation ; but it is more frequently the consequence of idle- 
ness. The high-fed and spirited horse must be in mischief if he 
is not usefully employed. Sometimes, but we believe not often, 
it is produced by partial starvation, whether in a bad straw-yard, 
or from unpalatable food. An occasional cause of crib-biting is 
the frequent custom of grooms, even when the weather is not 
severe, of dressing them in the stable. The horse either catches 
at the edge of the manger, or at that of the partition on each 
side, if he has been turned, and thus he forms the habit of laying 
hold of these substances on every occasion. 

WIND-SUCKING. 

This bears a close analogy to crib-biting. It arises from the 
same causes ; the same purpose is accomplished ; and the same 
results follow. The horse stands with his neck bent ; his head 
drawn inward ; his lips alternately a little opened and then 
closed, and a noise is heard as if he were sucking. If we may 
judge from the same comparative want of condition and the flat- 
ulence which we have described under the last head, either some 
portion of wind enters the stomach, or there is an injurious loss 
of saliva. This diminishes the value of the horse almost as much 
as crib-biting ; it is as contagious, and it is as inveterate. The 
only remedies, and they will seldom avail, are tying the head up, 
except when the horse is feeding, or putting on a muzzle with 
sharp spikes towards the neck, and which will prick him when- 
ever he attempts to rein his head in for the purpose of wind- 
sucking. 

CUTTING. 

Of this habit, mention has been made at page 266 ; and we 
would advise the owner of a cutting horse, without trying any 
previous experiments of raising or lowering the heels, to put on 



380 NOT LYING DOWN OVERREACH PAWING. 

the cutting toot a shoe of even thickness from heel to toe. not pro 
jectinsr in the slightest degree beyond the crust, and the crust it 
sell' being rasped a little at the quarters. The shoe should be fas- 
tened as usual, on the outside, but with only one nail on the in 
side, and that almost close to the toe. The principle on which 
this shoe acts, has been explained at page 350 

NOT LYING DOWN. 

It not uncommonly happens that a horse will seldom or never 
lie down in the stable. He sometimes continues in apparent 
good health, and feeds and works well ; but generally his legs 
swell, or he becomes fatigued sooner than another horse. If it 
is impossible to let him loose in the saddle, or to put him into a 
spare box, we know not what is to be done. No means, gentle or 
cruel, will force him to lie down. The secret is that he is tied 
up, and either has never dared to lie down through fear of the 
confinement of the halter, or he has been cast in the night and 
severely injured. If he can be suffered to range the stable, or 
have a comfortable box in which he may be loose, he will usually 
lie down the first night. Some few horses, however, will lie 
down in the stable, and not in a loose box. A fresh, well made 
bed, will generally tempt the tired horse to refresh himself with 
sleep. * 

OVERREACH. 

This unpleasant noise, known also by the term " clicking," 
arises from the toe of the hind-foot knocking against the shoe of 
the fore-foot. The consequences of it, and the treatment of the 
wounds resulting from it, have been sufficently given on page 320 

If the animal is young, the action of the horse may be materi- 
ally improved ; otherwise nothing can be done, except to keep the 
toe of the hind foot as short and as round as it can safely be, and 
to bevel off and round the toe of the shoe, like that which has 
been worn off by a stumbling horse, and perhaps, to lower the 
heel of the fore-foot a little. 

PAWING. 

Some hot and irritable horses are restless even in the stable, 
and paw frequently and violently. Their litter is destroyed, the 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — It should not be forgotten that the basis of sup- 
port afforded by the four extremities is so considerable in the horse, that lie 
is able to sleep in a standing position, and we have known some horses pre- 
serve their health, strength, and condition, although they have never been 
Known to lie down. At the same time, it must be confessed that an animal 
that will quietly lie down and take his rest, generally preserves his condi 
tion, and is better fitted for exertion. 



QUIDDING ROLLING SHYING. 381 

floor of the stable broken up, the shoes worn out, the feet bruised, 
and the legs sometimes sprained. If this habit does not exist to 
any great extent, yet the stable never looks well. Shackles are 
the only remedy, with a chain sufficiently long to enable the horse 
to shift his posture, or move in his stall ; but these must be taken 
off at night, otherwise the animal will seldom lie down. Ex- 
cept, however, the horse possesses peculiar value, it will be better 
to dispose of him at once, than to submit to the danger and incon- 
venience that he may occasion. 

QUIDDING. 

A horse will sometimes partly chew his hay, and suffer it to 
drop from his mouth. If this does not proceed from irregular 
teeth, which it will be the business of the veterinary surgeon to 
rasp down, it will be found to be connected with sore-throat, and 
then the horse, will exhibit some other symptoms of indisposition, 
and particularly, the swallowing of water will be accompanied by 
a peculiar gulping effort. In this case, the disease (catarrh, with 
sore-throat) must be attacked, and the quidding will cease. 

ROLLING. 

This is a very pleasant and perfectly safe amusement for a 
horse at grass, but cannot be indulged in the stable without the 
chance of his being dangerously entangled with the collar-rein 
(halter) and being cast. Yet, although the horse is cast, and 
bruised, and half-strangled, he will roll again on the following 
night and continue to do so as long as he lives. The only remedy 
is not a very pleasant one for the horse, nor always quite safe ; 
yet it must be had recourse to, if the habit of rolling is inveter- 
ate. " The horse," says Mr. Castley, " should be tied with length 
enough of halter to lie down, but not to allow of his head resting 
on the ground ; because, in order to roll over, a horse is obliged 
to place his head quite down upon the ground." 

SHYING. 

We have briefly treated of the cause of this vice at page 66, 
and observed that while it is often the result of cowardice, or 
playfulness, or want of work, it is at other times the consequence 
of a defect of sight. It has been remarked, and we believe very 
truly, that shying is oftener a vice of half or quarter-bred horses, 
than of those who have in them more of the genuine racing blood. 

In the tieatment of shying, is it of great importance to distin- 
guish between that which is the consequence of defective sight. 



382 SHYING. 

and what results from fear, or newness of objects, or mere affec- 
tation or skittishness. For the first, the nature of which we have 
explained at page 66, every allowance must be made, and care 
must be taken that the fear of correction is not associated with the 
imagined existence of some terrifying object. The severe use of 
the whip and the spur cannot do good here, and are likely to ag- 
gravate the vice ten-fold. A word half encouraging and half 
scolding, with a slight pressure of the heel, or a slight touch of 
the spur, will tell the horse that there was nothing to fear, and 
will give him confidence in his rider on a future occasion. 

The shying from skittishness or affectation is quite a different 
affair, and must be conquered : but how ? Severity is altogether 
out of place. If he is forced into contact with the object by dint 
of correction, the dread of punishment will afterwards be associ- 
ated with that object, and, on the next occasion, his startings will 
be more frequent and more dangerous. The way to cure him is 
to go on, turning as little as possible out of the road, giving a 
harsh word or two, and a gentle touch with the spur, and then 
taking no more notice of the matter. After a few times, what- 
ever may have been the object which he chose to select as the 
pretended cause of affright, he will pass it almost without notice. 

In page 243, under the head "breaking in," we described how 
the colt may be cured of the habit of shying from fear or newness 
of objects ; and, if he then is accustomed as much as possible to 
the objects among which his services will be required, he will not 
possess this annoying vice when he grows to maturer age. 

It is now generally admitted by all riding-masters and colt- 
breakers, that a great deal more is to be effected by lenient than 
by harsh treatment. Rewards are found to operate more benefi- 
cially than punishments ; and therefore the most scientific and 
practised riding-masters adopt methods based upon the former. 

Let us not be understood to mean that the animal is to receive 
any encouragement to shy ; for by no other expression can be 
characterized that erroneous and foolish practice of patting the 
horse, or "making much of him," either just before or during the 
time he evinces shyness, The former is bad, because it draws the 
attention of the animal to the object he dreads ; the latter is 
worse, because it fills him with the impression either that the ob- 
ject itself is really terrific, or that he has acted right in shying at 
it, and ought to do so again. 

Whether we are approaching the frightful object, or the horse 
is actually shying, " we should let him alone" — " we should take 
no notice whatever of him" — neither letting him perceive that 
we are aware that we are advancing towards anything he dis- 
likes ; nor do more with him, while in the act of shying, than is 
necessary for due restraint with a steady hand upon the rein. We 



SLIPPING THE HALTER. 383 

may depend upon it, that battling on our part will only serve to 
augment affright and arouse resistance on his, and that the most 
judicious course we can pursue is to persevere in mild forbearant 
usage. 

Shying on coming out of the stable is a habit that can rarely 
or never be cured. It proceeds from the remembrance of some 
ill-usage oi hurt which the animal has received in the act of pro- 
ceeding from the stable, such as striking his head against a low 
door-way, or entangling the harness. 

When the cure, however, is early attempted, it may be so far 
overcome that it will be unattended with danger or difficulty. 
The horse should be bridled when led out or in. He should be 
held short and tight by the head, that he may feel he has not lib- 
erty to make a leap, and this of itself is often sufficient to restrain 
him. Punishment, or a threat of punishment, will be highly im- 
proper. It is only timid or high-spirited horses that acquire this 
habit, and rough usage invariably increases their agitation and 
terror * 

SLIPPING THE COLLAR OR HALTER. 

This is a trick at which many horses are so clever, that scarcely 
a night passes without their getting loose. It is a very serious 
habit, for it enables the horse sometimes to gorge himself with 
food, to the imminent danger of staggers ; or it exposes him, as he 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — This vice or habit— for it ranges between the 
one and the other — exists in every variety of degree. There are more horses 
that shy than do not: when the practice exists in a slight degree, it is a mat- 
ter of no consequence, but when the animal, instead of merely looking at the 
object of alarm and dwelling a little in his pace as he approaches it, stops 
suddenly, or turns round, or swerves considerably, (he habit becomes a dan- 
gerous vice, and is exceedingly objectionable. There is mure affectation 
than real fear about this habit, the horse making use of every unusual ob- 
ject as an excuse for the indulgence of his skittishness, or his obstinacy. 
There are often some strange eccentricities connected Avith it. Horses will 
often pass a frightful object without the least fear; but if, perchance, there 
Is a puddle in the road, or a stick of timber lying beside it, imagination ap- 
pears to paint the object in the most hideous colors or portentous forms. 
Horses shy most in the country, where there are but few objects to meet ; 
and they rarely exhibit this propensity in the crowded streets of the metro- 
polis. The objects are there far too numerous to allow an excuse for shying, 
or would soon weary them of the habit ; indeed tl e very best method of 
curing the vice is to use the animal in crowded streets. Though shying is 
often connected with imperfect vision, it is rarely produced by actual disease, 
and, therefore, its existence does not augur unsound eyes. Too great con- 
vexity of the eye is certainly often connected with shying, so that objects are 
refracted too quickly, and thus are imperfectly painted on the retina. 

Shying horses are frequently made much worse by rough usage ; instead 
of which they should always be treated with gentleness and firmnerR, whicl 
system, in many instances, will succeed in effecting a cure. 



384 TRIPPING WEAVING. 

wanders about, to be kicked and injured by the other horses, while 
his restlessness will often keep the whole team awake. If the web 
of the halter, being first accurately fitted to his neck, is suffered 
to slip only one way, or a strap is attached to the halter and 
buckled round the neck, but not sufficiently tight to be of serious 
inconvenience, the power of slipping the collar will be taken 
away. 

TRIPPING. 

He must be a skilful practitioner or a mere pretender who 
promises to remedy this habit. If it arises from a heavy fore-hand, 
and the fore-legs being too much under the horse, no one can al- 
ter the natural frame of the animal : if it proceeds from tender- 
ness of the foot, grogginess, or old lameness, these ailments are 
seldom cured. Also if it is to be traced to habitual carelessness 
and idleness, no whipping will rouse the drone. A known stum- 
bler should never be ridden, or driven by any one who values his 
safety or his life. A tight hand or a strong- bearing rein are pre- 
cautions that should not be neglected, although they are generally 
of little avail ; for the inveterate stumbler will rarely be able to 
save himself, and this tight rein may sooner and farther precipi- 
tate the rider. If, after a trip, the horse suddenly starts forward, 
and endeavors to break into a short trot or canter, the rider or 
driver may be assured that others before him have fruitlessly en- 
ieavored to remedy the nuisance. 

If the stumbler has the foot kept as short, and the toe pared as 
close as safety will permit, and the shoe is rounded at the toe, or 
has that shape given to it which it naturally acquires in a fort- 
night from the peculiar action of such a horse, the animal may 
not stumble quite so much ; or if the disease which produced the 
habit can be alleviated, some trifling good may be done, but in 
almost every case a stumbler should be got rid of, or put to slow 
and heavy work. If the latter alternative is adopted, he may trip 
as much as he pleases, for the weight of the load and the motion 
of the other horses will keep him upon his legs. 

WEAVING 

This consists in a motion of the head, neck, and body, from side 
to side, like the shuttle of a weaver passing through the web, and 
hence the name which is given to this peculiar, and incessant, and 
unpleasant action. It indicates an impatient, irritable temper, 
and a dislike to the confinement of the stable. A horse that is 
thus incessantly on the fret will seldom carry flesh, or be safe to 
ride or drive. There is no cure for it, but the close tying-up of 
the animal, or at least allowing him but one loose rein, except a* 
feedinsr-time. 



CHAPTER XX. 



THE GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE. 

This is a most important part of our subject, even as it re- 
gards the farmer, although there are comparatively few glaring 
errors in the treatment of the agricultural horse ; but it comes 
more especially home to the gentleman, who is too often, and 
too implicitly, under the guidance of an idle, and ignorant, and 
designing groom. 

We will arrange the most important points of general man- 
agement under the following heads : — 

AIR. 

The breathing of pure air is necessary to the existence and 
the health of man and beast. It is comparatively lately that 
this has been admitted even in the management of our best sta- 
bles. They have been close, and hot, and foul, instead of airy, 
and cool, and wholesome. 

The stable should be as large, compared with the number of 
horses that it is destined to contain, as circumstances will allow 
A stable for six horses should not be less than forty feet in length, 
and thirteen or fourteen feet wide.*" If there is no loft above, the 
inside of the roof should always be plastered in order to prevent 
direct currents of air and occasional droppings from broken tiles. 
The heated and foul air should escape, and cool and pure air be 
admitted, by elevation of the central tiles ; or by large tubes car- 
ried through the roof, with caps a kittle above them, to prevent, 
the beating in of the rain ; or by gratings placed high up in th« 
walls. These latter apertures should be as far above the horses 
as they can conveniently be placed, by which means all injuri- 
ous draught will be prevented. 

If there is a loft above the stable, the ceiling should be plas- 
tered, in order to prevent the foul air from penetrating to the 
hay above, and injuring both its taste and its wholesomeness ; 

* It "will be borne in mind that the author is speaking of the close 
%tone or brick stables of England. — Am. Ed. 
25 Q 



386 air. 

and no openings should be allowed above the racks, through 
which the hay may be thrown into them ; for they will permit 
the foul air to ascend to the provender, and also in the act of 
filling the rack, and while the horse is eagerly gazing upward 
for his food, a grass seed may fall into the eye, and produce con- 
siderable inflammation. At other times, when the careless groom 
has left open the trap-door, a stream of cold air beats down on 
the head of the horse. 

The stable with a loft over it should never be less than twelve 
feet high, and proper ventilation should be secured, either by 
tubes carried through the roof, or by gratings close to the ceil- 
ing. These gratings or openings should be enlarged or con- 
tracted by means of a covering or shutter, so that spring, sum- 
mer, and autumn, the stable may possess nearly the same tem- 
perature with the open air, and in winter a temperature of net 
more than ten degrees above that of the external atmosphere. 

A hot stable has, in the mind of the groom, been long connected 
with a glossy coat. The latter, it is thought, cannot be obtained 
without the former. 

To this we should reply, that in winter a thin, glossy coat is 
not desirable. Nature gives to every animal a warmer clothing 
when the cold weather approaches. The horse — the agricul- 
tural horse especially — acquires a thicker and a lengthened coat, 
in order to defend him from the surrounding cold. Man puts 
on an additional and a warmer covering, and his comfort is in- 
"reased and his health preserved by it. He who knows any- 
thing of the farmer's horse, or cares about his enjoyment, will 
not object to a coat a little longer, and a little roughened when 
the wintry wind blows bleak. The coat, however, needs not to be 
so long as to be unsightly ; and warm clothing, even in a cool stable, 
will, with plenty of honest grooming, keep the hair sufficiently 
smooth an' 1 glossy to satisfy the most fastidious. The over-heated 
air of a iose stable saves much of this grooming, and therefore 
the id* ■ attendant unscrupulously sacrifices the health and safety 
of +ne horse. When we have presently to treat of the hair 
an 1 skin of the horse, this will be placed in a somewhat different 
point of view. 

If the stable is close, the air will not only be hot, but foul. 
The breathing of every animal contaminates it ; and when, 
in the course of the night, with every aperture stopped, it passes 
again and again through the lungs, the blood cannot undergo its 
proper and healthy change ; digestion will not be so perfectly per- 
formed, and all the functions of life are injured. Let the owner 
of a valuable horse think of his passing twenty or tvv enty-two 
out of the twenty-four hours in this debilitating atmosphere ! 
Nature does wonders in enabling every animal to accommodate 



AIR — L.TTER. 387 

itself to the situation in which it is placed, and the horse that 
lives in the stable-oven suffers less from it than would scarcely 
be conceived possible ; but he does not, and cannot, possess the 
power and the hardihood which he would acquire under other 
circumstances. 

The air of the improperly close and heated stable is still fur- 
ther contaminated by the urine and dung, which rapidly ferment, 
there, and give out stimulating and unwholesome vapors. When 
a person first enters an ill-managed stable, and especially early 
in the morning, he is annoyed, not only by the heat of the con- 
fined air, but by a pungent smell, resembling hartshorn ; and can 
he be surprised at the inflammation of the eyes, and the chronic 
cough, and the disease of the lungs, by which the animal, who 
has been all night shut up in this vitiated atmosphere, is often 
attacked ; or if glanders and farcy should occasionally break out 
in such stables ? It has been ascertained by chemical experi- 
ment that the urine of the horse contains in it an exceedingly 
large quantity of hartshorn ; and not only so, but that, influenced 
by the heat of a crowded stable, and possibly by other decompo- 
sitions that are going forward at the same time, this ammoniacal 
vapor begins to be rapidly given out almost immediately after 
the urine is voided. 

When disease begins to appear among the inhabitants of these 
ill-ventilated places, is it wonderful that it should rapidly spread 
among them, and that the plague-spot should be, as it were, 
placed on the door of such a stable ? When distemper appears 
in spring or in autumn, it is in very many cases to be traced to 
such a pest-house. It is peculiarly fatal there. The horses be- 
longing to a small establishment, and rationally treated, have it 
comparatively seldom, or have it lightly ; but among the inmates 
of a crowded stable it is sure to display itself, and there it is most 
fatal. The experience of every veterinary surgeon, and of every 
large proprietor of horses, will corroborate this statement. 

Every stable should possess within itself a certain degree of 
ventilation. The cost of this would be trifling:, and its saving in 
the preservation of valuable animals may be immense. The 
apertures need not be large, and the whole may be so contrived 
that no direct current of air shall fall on the horse. 

A gentleman's stable should never be without a thermometer. 
The temperature should seldom exceed 70° in the summer, or sink 
below 40 or 50° in the winter. 

LITTER. 

Having spoken of the vapor of hartshorn, which is so rapidly 
and so ulentifully given out from the urine of a horse in a heated 



388 LIGHT. 

stable, we next take into consideration the subject of litter. The 
first caution is frequently to remove it. The early extrication of 
gas shows the rapid putrefaction of the urine ; and the conse- 
quence of which will be the rapid putrefaction of the litter that 
has been moistened by it. Everything hastening to decomposition 
should be carefully removed where life and health are to be pre- 
served. The litter that has been much wetted or at all softened 
oy the urine, and is beginning to decay, should be swept away 
every morning ; the greater part of the remainder may then be 
piled under the manger ; a little being left to prevent the painful 
and injurious pressure of the feet on the hard pavement during 
the day. The soiled and soaked portion of that which was left 
should be removed at night. In the better kind of stables, how- 
ever, the stalls should be completely emptied every morning. 

No heap of fermenting dung should be suffered to remain dur- 
ing the day in the corner or in any part of the stable. With re- 
gard to this, the directions of the master should be peremptory. 

The stable should be so contrived that the urine shall quickly 
run off, and the offensive and injurious vapor from the decom- 
posing fluid and the litter will thus be materially lessened, but if 
this is effected by means of gutters and a descending floor, the 
descent must be barely sufficient to cause the fluid to escape, as 
if the toes are kept higher than the heels, it will lead to lame- 
ness, and is also a frequent cause of contraction of the foot. Stalls 
of this kind certainly do best for mares ; but for horses we much 
prefer those with a grating in the centre, and a slight inclination 
of the floor on every side towards the middle. A short branch 
may communicate with a larger drain, by means of which the 
urine may be carried off to a reservoir outside the stable. Traps 
are now contrived, and may be procured at little expense, by 
means of which neither any offensive smell nor current of air can 
pass through the grating. 

Humanity and interest, as well as the appearance of the stable, 
should induce the proprietor of the horse to place a moderate 
quantity of litter under him during the day.* 

LIGHT. 

This neglected branch of stable-management is of far more 
consequence than is generally imagined ; and it is particularly 
neglected by those for whom these treatises are principally de- 
signed. The farmer's stable is frequently destitute of any glazed 
window, and has only a shutter, which is raised in warm weather, 
and closed when the weather becomes cold. When the horse is 

* It will be remembered the author is speaking of paved floors. — Am. Ed. 



GROOMING. 389 

in the stable only during a few hours in the day, this is not of so 
much consequence, nor of so much, probably, with regard to horses 
of slow work ; but to carriage-horses and hackneys, so far, at least, 
as the eyes are concerned, a dark stable is little less injurious than 
a foul and heated one. In order to illustrate this, reference may 
be made to the unpleasant feeling, and the utter impossibility of 
seeing distinctly, when a man suddenly emerges from a dark place 
into the full blaze of day. The sensation of mingled pain and 
giddiness is not soon forgotten ; and some minutes pass before the 
eye can accommodate itself to the increased light. If this were 
to happen every day, or several times in the day, the sight would 
be irreparably injured, or possibly blindness would ensue. Can 
we wonder, then, that the horse, taken from a dark stable into a 
glare of light, feeling, probably, as we should do under similar 
circumstances, and unable for a considerable time to see anything 
around him distinctly, should become a starter, or that the lie 
quently repeated violent effect of sudden light should induce in- 
flammation of the eye so intense as to terminate in blindness ? 
There is, indeed, no doubt that horses kept in dark stables are 
frequently notorious starters, and that abominable habit has been 
properly traced to this cause. 

If plenty of light is admitted, the walls of the stable, and es- 
pecially that portion of them which is before the horse's head, 
must not be of too glaring a color. The color of the stable should 
depend on the quantity of light. Where much can be admitted, 
the walls should be of a gray hue. Where darkness would other- 
wise prevail, frequent whitewashing may in some degree dissipate 
the gloom. 

For another reason, it will be evident that the stable should not 
possess too glaring a light : it is the resting-place of the horse. 
The work of the farmer's horse, indeed, is confined principally to 
the day. The hour of exertion having passed, the animal returns 
to his stable to feed and to repose, and the latter is as necessary 
as the former, in order to prepare him for renewed work. Some- 
thing approaching to the dimness of twilight is requisite to induce 
the animal to compose himself to sleep. This half-light more 
particularly suits horses of heavy work. In the quietness of a 
dimly-lighted stable, they obtain repose, and accumulate flesh and 
fat. 

GROOMING. 

Of this*, much need not be said to the agriculturist, since cus- 
tom, and apparently without ill effect, has allotted so little of the 
comb and brush to the farmer's horse. The animal that is worked 
all day, and turned out at night, requires little more to be done 



390 GROOMING. 

to him than to have the dirt brushed off his limbs. Regular 
grooming, by rendering his skin more sensible to the alteration of 
temperature, and the inclemency of the weather, would be preju- 
dicial. The horse that is altogether turned out, needs no groom- 
ing. The dandriff, or scurf, which accumulates at the roots of 
the hair, is a provision of nature to defend him from the wind 
and the cold. 

It is to the stabled horse, highly fed, and little or irregularly 
worked, that grooming is of so much consequence. Good rubbing 
with the brush, or the curry-comb, opens the pores of the skin, 
circulates the blood to the extremities of the body, produces free 
and healthy perspiration, and stands in the room of exercise. No 
horse will carry a fine coat without either unnatural heat or 
dressing. They both effect the same purpose ; they both increase 
the insensible perspiration : but the first does it at the expense of 
health and strength, while the second, at the same time that it 
produces a glow on the skin, and a determination of blood to it, 
rouses all the energies of the frame. It would be well for the 
proprietor of the horse if he were to insist — and to see that his 
orders are really obeyed — that the fine coat in which he and his 
groom so much delight, is produced by honest rubbing, and not 
by a heated stable and thick clothing, and most of all, not by 
stimulating or injurious spices. The horse should be regularly 
dressed every day, in addition to the grooming that is necessary 
after work. 

When the weather will permit the horse to be taken out, he 
should never be groomed in the stable, unless he is an animal of 
peculiar value, or placed for a time under peculiar circumstances. 
Without dwelling on the want of cleanliness, when the scurf and 
dust that are brushed from the horse lodge in his manger, and 
mingle with his food, experience teaches, that if the cold is not 
too great, the animal is braced and invigorated to a degree that 
cannot be attained in the stable, from being dressed in the open 
air. There is no necessity, however, for half the punishment 
which many a groom inflicts upon the horse in the act of dressing ; 
and particularly on one whose skin is thin and sensible. The 
curry-comb should at all times be lightly applied. With many 
horses, its use may be almost dispensed with ; and even the brush 
needs not to be so hard, nor the points of the bristles so irregular, 
as they often are. A soft brush, with a little more weight of the 
hand, will be equally effectual, and a great deal more pleasant to 
the horse. A hair-cloth, while it will seldom irritate and tease, 
will be almost sufficient with horses that have a thin skin, and 
that have not been neglected. After all, it is no slight task to 
dress a horse as it ought to be done. It occupies no little time, 
and demands considerable patience, as well as dexteritv It will 



EXERCISE. 391 

be readily ascertained whether a horse has been well dressed by 
rubbing him with one of the ringers. A greasy stain will detect 
the idleness of the groom When, however, the horse is chang- 
ing !iis coat, both the curry-comb and the brush should be ?ised 
as lightly as possible. 

Whoever would be convinced of the benefit of friction to the 
horse's okin, and to the horse generally, needs only to observe the 
effects produced by well hand-rubbing the legs of a tired horse. 
While every enlargement subsides, and the painful stiffness dis- 
appears, and the legs attain their natural warmth, and become 
fine, the animal is evidently and rapidly reviving ; he attacks his 
food with appetite, and then quietly lies down to rest. 

EXERCISE. 

Our observations on this important branch of stable-manage 
ment must have only a slight reference to the agricultural horse. 
His work is usually regular, and not exhausting. He is neither 
predisposed to disease by idleness, nor worn out by excessive ex- 
ertion. He, like his master, has enough to do to keep him in 
health, and not enough to distress or injure him : on the contrary, 
the regularity of his work prolongs life to an extent rarely wit- 
nessed in the stable of the gentleman. Our remarks on exercise, 
then, must have a general bearing, or have principal reference to 
those persons who are in the middle stations of life, and who con- 
trive to keep a horse for business or pleasure, but cannot afford to 
maintain a servant for the express purpose of looking after it. The 
first rule we would lay down is, that every horse should have 
daily exercise. The animal that, with the usual stable feeding 
stands idle for three or four days, as is the case in many establish - 
ments, must suffer. He is predisposed to fever, or to grease, or 
most of all, diseases of the foot ; and if, after three or four days 
of inactivity, he is ridden far and fast, he is almost sure to have 
inflammation of the lungs or of the feet. 

A gentleman's or a tradesman's horse suffers a great deal more 
from idleness than he does from work. A stable-fed horse should 
have two hours' exercise every day, if he is to be kept free from 
disease. Nothing of extraordinary, or even of ordinary labor, can 
be effected on the road or in the field, without sufficient and reg- 
ular exercise. It is this alone which can give energy to the sys- 
tem, or develope the powers of any animal. 

In training the hunter and the race-horse, regular exercise is 
the most important of all considerations, however it may be for- 
gotten in the usual management of the stable. The exercised 
horse will discharge his task, and sometimes a severe one, with 
ease and pleasure ; while the idle and neglected one will be 



392 food. 

fatigued ere half his labor is accomplished, and, if he is pushed 9 
little too far, dangerous inflammation will ensue. How often, nev 
ertheless, does it happen, that the horse which has stood inactive ir 
the stable three or four days, is ridden or driven thirty or forty mile? 
in the course of a single day ! This rest is often purposely given t<? 
prepare for extra-exertion ; — to lay in a stock of strength for the 
performance of the task required of him : and then the owner is 
surprised and dissatisfied if the animal is fairly knocked up, or 
possibly becomes seriously ill. Nothing is so common and so pre- 
posterous, as for a person to buy a horse from a dealer's stable, 
where he has been idly fattened for sale for many a day, and im- 
mediately to give him a long run after the hounds, and then to 
complain bitterly, and think that he has been imposed upon, if the 
animal is exhausted before the end of the chase, or is compelled 
to be led home suffering from violent inflammation. Regular and 
gradually increasing exercise would have made the same horse 
appear a treasure to his owner. 

Exercise should be somewhat proportioned to the age of the 
horse. A young horse requires more than an old one. Nature 
has given to young animals of every kind a disposition to activity , 
but the exercise must not be violent. A great deal depends upon 
the manner in which it is given. To preserve the temper, and 
to promote health, it should be moderate, at least at the beginning 
and the termination. The rapid trot, or even the gallop, may be 
resorted to in the middle of the exercise, but the horse should be 
brought in cool. 

FOOD. 

The system of manger-feeding is becoming general among farm 
ers. There are few horses that do not habitually waste a portion 
of their hay ; and by some the greater part is pulled down and 
trampled under foot, in order first to cull the sweetest and best 
locks, and which could not be done while the hay was enclosed 
in the rack. A good feeder will afterwards pick up much of that 
which was thrown down ; but some of it must be soiled and ren- 
dered disgusting, and, in many cases, one-third of this division of 
their food is wasted. Some of the oats and beans are imperfectly 
chewed by all horses, and scarcely at all by hungry and greedy 
ones. The appearance of the dung will sufficiently evince this. 

The observation of this induced the adoption of manger-feeding, 
or of mixing a portion of chaff (i. e., cut feed) with the grain and 
beans By this means the animal is compelled to chew his food ■ 
he cannot, to any great degree, waste the straw or hay ; the chafl 
is too hard and too sharp to be swallowed without sufficient mas- 
tication, and while he is forced to grind that down, the oat? and 



fooij. 303 

beans are ground with it, and yield more nourishment ; the stom- 
ach is more slowly filled, and therefore acts better on its contents, 
and is not so likely to be overloaded ; and the increased quantity 
of saliva thrown out in the lengthened maceration of the food, 
softens it, and makes it more fit for digestion. 

C hafF may be composed of equal quantities of clover or meadow 
hay, and wheaten, oaten, or barley straw, cut into pieces of a 
quarter or half an inch in length, and mingled well together ; 
the allowance of oats or beans is afterwards added, and mixed with 
the chaff. Many farmers very properly bruise the oats or beans. 
The whole oat is apt to slip out of the chaff and be lost ; but when 
it is bruised, and especially if the chaff is a little wetted, it will 
not readily separate ; or, should a portion of it escape the grind- 
ers, it will be partly prepared for digestion by the act of bruising. 
The prejudice against bruising the oats is, so far as the farmer's 
norse, and the wagon horse, and every horse of slow draught, 
are concerned, altogether unfounded. The quantity of straw in 
the chaff will always counteract any supposed purgative quality 
in bruised oats. Horses of quicker draught, except they are nat- 
urally disposed to scour, will thrive better with bruised than with 
whole oats ; for a greater quantity of nutriment will be extracted 
from the food, and it will always be easy to apportion the quan- 
tity of straw or beans to the effect of the mixture on the bowels 
of the horse. The principal alteration that should be made in the 
horse of harder and more rapid work, such as the post-horse, and the 
stage-coach horse, is to increase the quantity of hay, and diminish 
that of straw. Two trusses of hay may be cut with one of straw. 

Some gentlemen, in defiance of the prejudice and opposition of 
the coachman or the groom, have introduced this mode of feeding 
into the stables of their carriage-horses and hackneys, and with 
manifest advantage. There has been no loss of condition or power, 
and considerable saving of provender. This system is not, how- 
ever, calculated for the hunter or the race-horse. Their food must 
lie in smaller bulk, in order that the action of the lungs may not 
be impeded by the distention of the stomach ; yet many hunters 
have gone well over the field who have been manger-fed, the pro- 
portion of grain, however, being materially increased. 

For the agricultural and cart-horse, eight pounds of oats and 
two of beans should be added to every twenty pounds of chaff. 
Tliirty-four or thirty-six pounds of the mixture will be sufhcienl 
for any moderate-sized horse, with fair, or even hard work. The 
dray and wagon horse may require forty pounds. Hay in the 
rack at night is, in this case, supposed to be omitted altogether 
The rack, however, may remain, as occasionally useful for the 
sick horse, or to contain tares or other green feed. 

Horses arc very fond of this provender. The majority of them, 

q 



394 food. 

after having been accustomed to it, will leave the best oats given 
to them aloue, lor the sake of the mingled chaff and grain. We 
would, however, caution the farmer not to set apart too much 
damaged hay for the manufacture of the chaff. The horse may- 
be thus induced to eat that which he would otherwise refuse ; 
but if the nourishing property of the hay has been impaired, or 
it has acquired an injurious principle, the animal will either lose 
condition, or become diseased. Much more injury is done by eat- 
ing damaged hay or musty oats than is generally imagined. 
There will be sufficient saving -in the diminished cost of the 
provender by the introduction of the straw, and the improved 
condition of the horse, without poisoning him with the refuse of 
the farm. For old horses, and for those with defective teeth, 
chaff is peculiarly useful, and for them the grain should be bro- 
ken down as well as the fodder. 

While the mixture of chaff with the grain prevents it from 
being too rapidly devoured and a portion of it swallowed whole, 
and therefore the stomach is not too loaded with that on which, 
as containing the most nutriment, its chief digestive power should 
be exerted, yet, on the whole, a great deal of time is gained by 
this mode of feeding, and more is left for rest. When a horse 
comes in wearied at the close of the day, it occupies, after he has 
eaten his grain, two or three hours to clear his rack. On the 
system of manger- feeding, the chaff being already cut into small 
pieces, and the beans and oats bruised, he is able fully to satisfy 
his appetite in an hour and a half. Two additional hours are 
therefore devoted to rest. This is a circumstance deserving of 
much consideration even in the farmer's stable, and of immense 
consequence to the post-master, the stage-coach proprietor, and 
the owner of every hard worked horse. 

Manger food will be the usual support of the farmer's horse 
during the winter, and while at constant or occasional hard 
work • but from the middle of April to the end of July, he may 
be led with this mixture in the day and turned out at night, or 
he may remain out during every rest-day. A team in constant 
employ should not, however, be suffered to be out at night after 
the end of July. 

The farmer should take care that the pasture is thick and 
good ; and that the distance from the yard is not too great, or 
the fields too large, otherwise a very considerable portion of time 
will be occupied in catching the horse in the morning. He will like- 
wise have to take into consideration the sale he would have for his 
hay, and the necessity for sweet and untrodden pasture for his 
cattle. On the whole, however, turning out in this way, when 
cicrumstances will admit of it, will be found to be more benenenij 
for t,he horse, and oheaper than soiling in the yard. 



food. 395 

The horse of the inferior farmer is sometimes fed on hay or 
grass alone, and the animal, although he rarely gets a feed of 
grain, maintains himself in tolerable condition, and does the work 
that is required of him : but hay and grass alone, however good 
in quality, or in whatever quantity allowed, will not support a 
horse under hard work. Other substances containing a large 
proportion of nutriment in a smaller compass, have been added. 
They shall be briefly enumerated, and an estimate formed of their 
comparative value. 

In almost every part of Great Britain, Oats have been selected 
as that portion of the food which is to afford the principal nour- 
ishment. They contain seven hundred and forty-three parts out 
of a thousand of the nutritive matter. They should be about or 
somewhat less than a year old, heavy, dry, and sweet. New 
oats will weigh ten or fifteen per cent, more than old ones ; 
but the difference consists principally in watery matter, which is 
gradually evaporated. New oats are not so readily ground down 
by the teeth as old ones. They form a more glutinous mass, dif- 
ficult to digest, and, when eaten in considerable quantities, are apt 
to occasion colic and even staggers. If they are to be used before 
they are from three to five months old, they would be materi- 
ally improved by a little kiln-drying. There is no fear for the 
horses from simple drying, if the corn was good when it was put 
into the kiln. The old oat forms, when chewed, a smooth and 
uniform mass, which readily dissolves in the stomach, and yields 
the nourishment which it contains. Perhaps some chemical 
change may have been slowly effected in the old oat, disposing it 
to be more readily assimilated. Oats should be plump, bright in 
color, and free from unpleasant smell or taste. The musty smell 
of wetted or damaged grain is produced by a fungus which grows 
upon the seed, and which has an injurious effect on the urinary 
organs, and often on the intestines, producing profuse staling, in- 
flammation of the kidneys, colic, and inflammation of the bowels. 

This musty smell is removed by kiln-drying the oat ; but care 
is here requisite that too great a degree of heat is not employed. 
It should be sufficient to destroy the fungus without injuring the 
life of the seed. A considerable improvement would be effected 
by cutting the unthrashed oat-straw into chaff, and the expense 
of thrashing would be saved. Oat-straw is better than that of 
barley, but does not contain so much nutriment as that of wheat 

When the horse is fed on hay and oats, the quantity of the oats 
must vary with his size and the work to be performed. In win- 
ter, four feeds, or from ten to fourteen pounds of oats in the day, 
will be a fair allowance for a horse of fifteen hands one or two 
inohes high, and that has moderate work. In summer, half the 
quantity, with green food will be sufficient. Those which work 



39 G food. 

on the farm have from ten to fourteen pounds, and the hunter 
from twelve to sixteen. There are no efficient and safe substi- 
tutes for good oats ; but, on the contrary, we are much inclined 
to believe that they possess an invigorating property which is 
not found in other food. 

Oatmeal will form a poultice more stimulating than one com- 
posed of linseed-meal alone — or they may be mingled in different 
proportions, as circumstances require. In the form of gruel it 
constitutes one of the most important articles of diet for the sick 
horse — not, indeed, forced upon him, but a pail containing it 
being slung in his box, and of which he will soon begin to drink 
when water is denied. Few grooms make good gruel ; it is 
either not boiled long enough, or a sufficient quantity of oatmeal 
has not been used. The proportions should be, a pound of meal 
thrown into a gallon of water, and kept constantly stirred until 
it boils, and five minutes afterwards. 

White- water, made by stirring a pint of oatmeal in a pail of 
water, the chill being taken from it, is an excellent beverage for 
the thirsty and tired horse. 

Barley is a common food of the horse on various parts of the 
Continent, and, until the introduction of the oat, seems to have 
constituted almost his only food. It is more nutritious than oats, 
containing nine hundred and twenty parts of nutritive matter in 
every thousand. There seems, however, to be something neces- 
sary besides a great proportion of nutritive matter, in order tc 
render any substance wholesome, strengthening, or fattening : 
therefore it is that, in many horses that are hardly worked, and. 
indeed, in horses generally, barley does not agree with them so 
well as, oats. They are occasionally subject to inflammatory 
complaints, and particularly to surfeit and mange. 

When barley is given, the quantity should not exceed a peck 
daily. It should always be bruised, and the chaff should consist 
of equal quantities of hay and barley-straw, and not cut too short. 
If the farmer has a quantity of spotted or unsaleable barley that 
he wishes thus to get rid of, he must very gradually accustom his 
horses to it, or he will probably produce serious illness among 
them. For horses that are recovering from illness, barley, in the 
form of malt, is often serviceable, as tempting the appetite and 
recruiting the strength. It is best given in mashes — water, con- 
siderably below the boiling heat, being poured upon it, and the 
vessel or pail kept covered for half an hour. 

Grains fresh from the mash-tub, either alone, or mixed with 
oats or chaff, or both, may be occasionally given to horses of slow 
draught ; they would, however, afford very insufficient nourish 
ment for horses of quicker or harder work. 

Wheat is, in Great Britain, more rarely given than barlev 



FOOD. °97 



> ♦: contains nine hundred and fifty-five parts of nutritive matter. 
When farmers have a damaged or unmarketable sample oi 
wheat, they sometimes give it to their horses, and, being at first 
used in small quantities, they become accustomed to it, and thrive 
and work well : it must, however, always be bruised and given 
in chaff. Wheat contains a greater portion of gluten, or sticky, 
adhesive matter, than any other kind of grain. It is difficult oi 
digestion, and apt to cake and forms obstructions in the bowels 
This willoftener be the case if the horse is suftered to drink much 
water soon after feeding upon wheat. 

Fermentation, colic, and death, are occasionally the conse- 
quence of eating any great quantity of wheat. A horse that is 
led on wheat should have very little hay. The proportion should 
not be more than one truss of hay to two of straw. Wheaten 
Hour, boiled in water to the thickness of starch, is given with good 
effect in over-purging, and especially if combined with chalk and 

° P Bran, or the ground husk of the wheat, used to be frequently 
given to sick horses on account of the supposed advantage derived 
from its relaxing the bowels. There is no doubt that it does ope- 
rate gently on the intestinal canal, and assists in quickening the 
passage of its contents, when it is occasionally given ■; but it must 
not be' a constant, or even frequent food. Mr. Ernes attended 
three mills at which many horses were kept, and there were al- 
ways two or three cases of indigestion from the accumulation ot 
bran or pollard in the large intestines. Bran may, however, be 
useful as an occasional aperient in the form of a mash, but never 
should become a regular article of food. 

Beans.— These form a striking illustration of the principle. 
that the nourishing 6r strengthening effects of the different arti- 
cles of food depend more on some peculiar property which they 
possess, or some combination which they form, than on the actual 
quantity of nutritive matter. Beans contain but five hundred 
and seventy parts of nutritive matter, yet they add materially to 
the victor of the horse. There are many horses that will not 
stand hard work without beans being mingled with their food, 
and these not horses whose tendency to purge it may be neces- 
sary to restrain by the astringency of the bean. There is no 
traveller who is not aware of the difference in the spirit and con- 
tinuance of his horse whether he allows or denies him beans on 
his journey. They afford not merely a temporary stimulus, but 
they may be daily used without losing their power, or producing 
exhaustion. They are indispensable to the hard-worked coach- 
horse Washy horses could never get through their work with- 
out them ; and old horses would often sink under the task im- 
posed upon them. . They should not be given to the horses whole 



398 food. 

or split, but crushed. This will make a material difference n 
the quantity of nutriment that will be extracted. They **re 
sometimes given to turf-horses, but only as an occasional stimu- 
lant. Two pounds of beans may, with advantage, be mixed with 
the chaff of the agricultural horse, during the winter. In sum- 
mer the quantity of beans should be lessened, or they should be 
altogether discontinued. Beans are generally given whole. This 
is very absurd : for the young horse whose teeth are strong, sel- 
dom requires them ; while the old horse, to whom they are in a 
manner necessary, is scarcely able to masticate them, swallows 
many of them which he is unable to break, and drops much corn 
from his mouth in the ineffectual attempt to crush them. Beans 
should not be merely split, but crushed ; they will even then 
give sufficient employment to the grinders of the animal. Some 
post-masters use chaff with beans instead of oats. With hardly- 
worked horses they may possibly be allowed ; but, in general 
cases, beans, without oats, would be too binding and stimulating, 
and would produce costiveness, and probably megrims or staggers. 

Beans should be at least a twelvemonth old before they are 
given to the horse, and they should be carefully preserved from 
damp and mouldiness, which at least disgust the horse if they do 
no other harm, and harbor an insect that destroys the inner part 
of the bean. 

The straw of the bean is nutritive and wholesome, and is usu- 
ally given to the horses. Its nutritive properties are supposed to 
be little inferior to those of oats. The small and plump bean id 
generally the best. 

Peas are occasionally given. They appear to be in a slight 
degree more nourishing than beans, and not so heating. They 
contain five hundred and seventy-four parts of nutritive matter, 
jr'or horses of slow work they may be used ; but the quantity of 
chaff should be increased, and a few oats added. They have 
not been found to answer with horses of quick draught. It is 
essential that they should be crushed ; otherwise, on account of 
their globular form, they are apt to escape from the teeth, and 
many are swallowed whole. Exposed to warmth and moisture 
in tne stomach, they swell considerably, and may painfully and 
injuiiously distend it. The peas that are given to horses should 
be sound, and at least a twelve-month old. 

In some northern counties pea-meal is frequently used, not only 
as an excellent food for the horse, but as a remedy for diabetes. 

Lenseed is sometimes given to sick horses — raw, ground, and 
boiled. It is supposed to be useful in cases of catarrh. 

Ha), is most in perfection when it is about a twelve-month old 
The horse perhaps would prefer it earlier, but it neither so whole- 
some nor so nutritive, and often has a purgative quality. When 



FOOD. 39 V J 

it is about a year old, it retains or should retain somewhat of its 
green color, its agreeable smell and its pleasant taste. It has un- 
dergone the slow process of fermentation, by which the sugar 
which it contains is developed, and its nutritive quality is fully 
exercised. Old hay becomes dry and tasteless, and innutritive 
and unwholesome. After the grass is cut, and the hay stacked, 
a slight degree of fermentation takes place in it. This is neces- 
sary for the developement of the saccharine principle ; but occa- 
sionally it proceeds too far and the hay becomes mowbiirnt, in 
which state it is injurious, or even poisonous. The horse soon 
shows the effect which it has upon him. He has diabetes to a 
considerable degree — he becomes hidebound — his strength is 
wasted — his thirst is excessive, and he is almost worthless. 

Where the system of manger-feeding is not adopted, or where 
hay is still allowed at night, and chaff and corn in the day, there 
is no error into which the farmer is so apt to fall as to give an un- 
due quantity of hay, and that generally of the worst kind. If the 
manger system is good, there can be no necessity for hay, or only 
for a small quantity of it ; but if the rack is overloaded, the 
greedy horse will be eating all night, instead of taking rest — 
when the time for the morning feed arrives, his stomach will be 
already filled, and he will be less capable of work from the want 
of sleep, and from the long-continued distention of the stomach 
rendering it impossible for the food to be properly digested. 

It is a good practice to sprinkle the hay with water in which 
salt has been dissolved. It is evidently more palatable to the ani- 
mal, who will leave the best unsalted hay for that of an inferior 
quality that has been moistened with brine ; and there can be no 
doubt that the salt very materially assists the process of digestion. 
The preferable way of salting hay is to sprinkle it over the differ- 
ent layers as the rick is formed. From its attraction for water, it 
would combine with that excess of moisture which, in wet sea- 
sons, is the cause of too rapid and violent fermentation, and of the 
hay becoming mowburnt, or the rick catching fire, and it would 
become more incorporated with the hay. The only objection to 
its being thus used is, that the color of the hay is not so bright ; 
but this will be of little consequence for home consumption. 

Of the value of Tares, as forming a portion of the late spring 
and summer food of the stabled and agricultural horse, there can 
be no doubt. They are cut after the pods are formed, but a con- 
siderable time before the seeds are ripe. — They supply a largei 
quantity of food for a limited time than almost any other forage- 
crop. Tne vicia sativa is the more profitable of the tare. It 
is very nutritive, and acts as a gentle aperient. When surfeit- 
lumps appear on the skin, and the horse begins to rub himself 
against the divisions of the stall, and the legs swell and the heels 



400 FOOD. 

threaten to crack, a few tares, cut up with the chaff, or given in- 
stead of a portion of the hay, will afford considerable relief. Ten 
or twelve pounds may be allowed daily, and half that weight of 
hay subtracted. It is an erroneous notion, that, given in mode- 
rate quantities, they either roughen the coat or lessen the capabi- 
lity for hard work. 

Rye Grass affords a valuable article of food, but is inferior to 
the tare. It is not so nutritive. It is apt to scour, and, occasion- 
ally, and late in the spring, it has appeared to be injurious to the 
horse. 

Clover, for soiling the horse, is inferior to the tare and the rye 
grass, but nevertheless, is useful when they cannot be obtained. 
Clover hay is, perhaps, preferable to meadow hay for chaff. It 
will sometimes tempt the sick horse, and may be given with ad- 
vantage to those of slow and heavy work : but custom seems 
properly to have forbidden it to the hunter and the hackney. 

Lucern, where it can be obtained, is preferable even to tares, 
and sainfoin is superior to lucern. Although they contain but a 
small quantity of nutritive matter, it is easily digested, and per- 
fectly assimilated. They speedily put both muscle and fat on the 
horse that is worn down by labor, and they are almost a speci- 
fic for hide-bound. Some farmers have thonght so highly of lu- 
cern as to substitute it for oats. This may be allowable for the 
agricultural horse of slow and not severe work, but he from whom 
speedier action is sometimes required, and the horse of all work, 
must have a portion of hard meat within him. 

The Swedish Turnip is an article of food the value of which 
has not been sufficiently appreciated, and particularly for agricul- 
tural horses. Although it is far from containing the quantity of 
nutritive matter which has been supposed, that which it has 
seems to be capable of easy and complete digestion. It should 
be sliced with chopped straw, and without hay. It quickly fat- 
tens the horse, and produces a smooth glossy coat and a loose 
skiu. It will be good practice to give it once a day, and that at 
night when the work is done. 

Carrots. — The virtues of this root arc not sufficiently known, 
whether as contributing to the strength and endurance of the 
sound horse, or the rapid recovery of the sick one. To the 
healthy horse they should be given sliced in his chaff. Half a 
bushel will be a fair daily allowance. There is little provender 
of which the horse is fonder. The following- account of the 
value of the carrot is not exaggerated. "This root is held in 
much esteem. There is none better, nor perhaps so good. When 
first given it is slightly diuretic and laxative ; but as the horse 
becomes accustomed to it, these effects cease to be produced. 
Tney also improve the state of the skin. They form a good sub- 



FOOD. 401 

fltitute for grass, and an excellent alterative for horses out of con- 
dition. To sick and idle horses they render grain unnecessary, 
f hey are beneficial in all chronic diseases connected with breathing, 
and have a marked influence upon chronic cough and broken wind. 
f hey are serviceable in diseases of the skin, and in combination 
with oats they restore a worn horse much sooner than oats alone 
Potatoes have been given, and with advantage, in their raw 
state, sliced with the chaff; but, where it has been convenient to 
boil or steam them, the benefit has been far more evident. Purg- 
ing has then rarely ensued. Some have given boiled potatoes 
alone, and horses, instead of rejecting them, have soon preferred 
them even to the oat ; but it is better to mix them with the usual 
manger feed, in the proportion of one pound of potatoes to two 
and a half pounds of the other ingredients The use of the po- 
tato must depend on its cheapness, and the facility for boiling it. 
Half a dozen horses would soon repay the expense of a steaming 
boiler in the saving of provender, without taking into the account 
their improved condition and capability for work.* A horse fed 
on potatoes should have his quantity of water materially curtailed. 
Furze has sometimes been given during the winter months. 
There is considerable trouble attending the preparation of it, al- 
though its plentifulness and little value for other purposes would, 
on a large farm, well repay that trouble. The furze is cut down 
at about three or four years' growth ; the green branches of that 
and the preceding year are bruised in a mill, and then given to 
the horses in the state in which they come from the mill, or cut up 
with the chaff. Horses are very fond of it. If twenty pounds 
of the furze are given, five pounds of straw, the beans, and three 
pounds of the oats, may be withdrawn. 

The times of feeding should be as equally divided as con 
venience will permit ; and when it is likely that the horse will 
be kept longer than usual from home, the nose-bag should in- 
variably be taken. The small stomach of the horse is emptied 
in a few hours ; and if he is suffered to remain hungry much 
beyond his accustomed time, he will afterwards devour his food 
so voraciously as to distend the stomach and endanger an attack 
of staggers. 

When extra work is required from the animal, the system of 
management is often injudicious, for a double feed is put before 
him, and as soon as he has swallowed it, he is started. It would 
oe far better to give him a double feed on the previous eve- 
ning, which would be digested before he is wanted, and then lv 

* Professor Low says that 1 5 lbs. of potatoes yield as much nourishment as 
four pounds and a half of oats. Von Thayer asserts that three bushels are 
equal to 1 12 lbs. of hay ; and Curwen, who tried potatoes extensively in the 
feeding of horses says that an acre goes as far as four acres of hay. 
2G 



102 WATER. 

might set out in the morning after a very small portion of 
grain has been given to him, or perhaps only a little hay. 
One of the most successful methods of enabling a horse to get 
well through a long journey, is to give him only a little at a 
time while on the road, and at night to indulge him with a 
double feed of grain and a full allowance of beans. 

Watee,. — This is a part of stable management little re- 
garded by the farmer. He lets his horses loose morning and 
night, and they go to the nearest pond or brook and drink 
their fill, and no harm results, for they obtain that kind of 
water which nature designed them to have, in a manner pre- 
pared for them by some unknown influence of the atmosphere, 
as well as by the deposition of many saline admixtures. The 
difference between hard and soft water is known to every one. 
In hard water, soap will curdle, vegetables will not boil soft, 
and the saccharine matter of the malt cannot be fully ob- 
tained in the process of brewing. There is nothing in which 
the different effect of hard and soft water is so evident, as in 
the stomach and digestive organs of the horse. Hard water, 
drawn fresh from the well, will assuredly make the coat of 
a horse unaccustomed to it stare, and it will not unfrequently 
gripe and otherwise injure him. Instinct or experience has 
made even the horse himself conscious of this, for he will 
never drink hard water if he has access to soft, and he will 
leave the most transparent and pure water of the well for a 
river, although the stream may be turbid, and even for the 
muddiest pool.* He is injured, however, not so much by the 
hardness of the well-water as by its coldness — particularly by 
its coldness in summer, and when it is in many degrees below 
the temperature of the atmosphere. The water in the brook 
and the pond being warmed by long exposure to the air, as well 
as having become soft, the horse drinks freely of it without 
danger. 

If the horse were watered three times a day, and especially 
in summer, he would often be saved from the sad torture of 
thirst, and from many a disease. Whoever has observed the 
eagerness with which the over-worked horse, hot and tired, 
plunges his muzzle into the pail, and the difficulty of stopping 
him until he has drained the last drop, may form some idea of what 
he had previously suffered, and will not wonder at the violent 
spasms, and inflammation, and sudden death, that often result. 

There is a prejudice in the minds of many persons against tho 

* Some trainers have so much fear of hard or strange water, that they 
carry with them to the different courses the water that the animal has been 
accustomed to drink, and that which they know agrees with it. 



MANAGEMENT OF THE FEET. 403 

horse being fully supplied with water. They think that it injures 
his wind, and disables him for quick and hard work. If he is 
gulloped, as he too often is, immediately after drinking, his wind 
may be irreparably injured ; but if he were oftener suffered to 
satiate his thirst at the intervals of rest, he would be happier 
and better. It is a fact unsuspected by those who have not 
carefully observed the horse, that if he has frequent access to 
water, he will not drink so much in the course of the day as 
another will do, who, to cool his parched mouth, swallows as 
fast as he can, and knows not when to stop. 

On a journey a horse should be liberally supplied with water. 
When he is a little cooled, two or three quarts may be given to 
him, and after that his feed. Before he has finished his corn, 
two or three quarts more may be offered. He will take no harm 
if this is repeated three or four times during a long and hot 
day. 

It is a judicious rule with travellers, that when a horse begins 
to refuse his food, he should he pushed no farther that day. It 
may, however, be worth while to try whether this does not pro- 
ceed from thirst, as much as from exhaustion, for in many in- 
stances his appetite and his spirits will return soon after he has 
partaken of the refreshing draught. 

Management of the Feet. — This is the only division of 
stable management that remains to be considered, and one sadly 
neglected by the carter and groom. The feet should be care- 
fully examined every morning, for the shoes may be loose and 
the horse would have been stopped in the middle of his work ; 
or the clenches may be raised, and endanger the wounding of 
his legs ; or the shoe may begin to press upon the sole or the 
heel, and bruises of the sole, or corn, may be the result ; and, 
the horse having stood so long in the stable, every little increase 
of heat in the foot, or lameness, will be more readily detected, 
and serious disease may often be prevented. 

When the horse comes in at night, and after the harness has 
been taken off and stowed away, the heels should be well 
brushed out. Hand-rubbing will be preferable to washing, 
especially in the agricultural horse, whose heels, covered with 
long hair, can scarcely be dried again. If the dirt is suffered to 
accumulate in that long hair, the heels will become sore, and 
grease will follow ; and if the heels are washed, and particu- 
larly during the winter, grease will result from the coldness 
occasioned by the slow evaporation of the moisture. The feet 
should be stopped — even the feet of the farmer's horse, if he 
remains in the stable. Very little clay should be used in the 
stopping, for it will get hard and press upon the sole. Cow- 
dung is the best stopping to preserve the feet cool and elastic ; but 



404 MANAGEMENT OF THE TEET. 

before the stopping is applied, the picker should be run round 
the whole of the foot, between the shoe and the sole, in order to 
detect any stone that may have insinuated itself there, or a wound 
on any other part of the sole. For the hackney and hunter, 
stopping is indispensable. After several days' hard work it will 
afford very great relief to take the shoes off, having put plenty 
of litter under the horse, or to turn him, if possible, into a loose- 
box ; and the shoes of every horse, whether hardly worked or 
not, should be removed or changed once in every three weeks. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



THE SKIN AND ITS DISEASES. 



The skin of the horse consists of three layers. Externally is 
the cuticle, epidermis, or scarf-skin, composed of innumerable thin 
transparent scales, like those of a fish. They are raised in the 
form of pellucid bladders in blistering, and are thrown off in hard, 
dry, white scales, in mange and some other diseases. The scarf- 
skin is permeated by innumerable pores, for the passage of the 
hair, perspiration, and unctuous secretions, and for the inha- 
lation of gasses and fluids. It is destitute of nerves and blood- 
vessels, is insensible, and its principal use seems to be to protect 
the true skin, and to moderate its occasional morbid sensibility. 
There is a constant alteration and renewal of every part of it, 
but it adheres to the true skin through the medium of the pores, 
and also numerous little eminences, or projections, which seemtc 
be prolongations of the nerves of the skin. 

Beneath the cuticle is a thin, soft substance, through which the 
pores and eminences of the true skin pass. It is termed the 
rete mucosum, from its web-like structure, and its soft mucous 
consistence. Its office is to cover the minute vessels and nerves 
in their way from the cutis to the cuticle. It is also connected 
with the color of the skin. 

The cutis, or true skin, lies beneath the rete mucosum. It is 
decidedly of a fibrous texture, elastic, but with difficulty lacerated 
— exceedingly vascular, and highly sensitive. 

The skin answers the double purpose of protection and strength. 
Where it is necessary that the parts should be bound and knit 
together, it adheres so tightly that we can scarcely raise it. Thus 
the bones of the knees and the pasterns and the tendons of the 
legs, on which so much stress is frequently thrown, are securely 
tied down and kept in their places. 

Of its strength we have abundant proof, both in the living and 
dead animal. 

It is, while the animal is alive, one of the most elastic bodies 
with which we are acquainted. It not only perfectly adapts it- 
self to the slow growth or decrease of the body, and appears 



406 THE SKIN AND ITS DISEASES. 

equally to fit, whether the horse is in the plumpest condition 01 
reduced to a skeleton ; but, when a portion of it is distended to an 
extraordinary degree, in the most powerful action of the muscles, 
it, in a moment, again contracts to its usual dimensions. 

It is principally indebted for this elasticity to almost innumer- 
able minute glands which pour out an oily fluid that softens and 
supplies it. When the horse is in health, and every organ dis- 
charges its proper functions, a certain quantity of this unctuous 
matter is spread over the surface of the skin, and is contained in 
all the pores that penetrate its substance ; and the skin becomes 
pliable, easily raised from the texture beneath, and presenting 
that peculiar yielding softness and elasticity which experience 
has proved to be the best proofs of the condition, or in other words, 
the general health of the animal. Then, too, from the oilness and 
softness of the skin, the hair lies in its natural and proper direc- 
tion, and is smooth and glossy. When the system is deranged, 
and especially the digestive system, and the vessels concerned in 
the nourishment of the animal feebly act, those of the skin evi- 
dently sympathize. This oily secretion is no more thrown out ; 
the skin loses its pliancy ; it seems to cling to the animal, and we 
have that peculiar appearance which we call hide-bound. This, 
however, requires attentive consideration. 

We observe a horse in the summer. We find him with a thin, 
smooth, glossy coat, and his extremities clean and free almost 
from a single rough and misplaced hair. We meet with him 
again towards the winter, when the thermometer has fallen al- 
most or quite to the freezing point, and we scarcely recognize him 
in his thick, rough, coarse, colorless coat, and his legs enveloped 
in long, shaggy hair. The health of the horse is, to a certain de- 
gree, deranged. He is dull, languid, easily fatigued. He will 
break into a sweat with the slightest exertion, and it is almost 
imposssble thoroughly to dry him. He may perhaps feed as well 
as usual, although that will not generally be the case, but he is 
not equal to the demands which we are compelled to make upon 
him. 

This process goes on for an uncertain time, depending on the 
constitution of the animal, until nature has effected a change, and 
then he once more rallies ; but a great alteration has taken place 
in him — the hair has lost its soft and glossy character, and is be- 
come dry and staring. The skin ceases to secrete that peculiar 
unctuous matter which kept it soft and flexible, and becomes dry 
and scaly ; and the exhalents on the surface, having become re- 
laxed, are frequently pouring out a profuse perspiration, without 
any apparent adequate cause for it. 

iSo passes the approach to winter, and the owner complains 
sadly of the appearance of his steed, and, according to the old 



HIDE-BOUND. 407 

custom, gives him plenty of cordial balls, — perhaps too many of 
them, — on the whole not being unserviceable at this critical pe- 
riod, yet not productive of a great deal of good. At length the 
animal rallies of himself, and although not so strong and full of 
spirits as he ought to be, is hardier and more lively than he was, 
and able to struggle with the cold of the coming winter. 

WhaL a desideratum in the management of the horse would 
be a course of treatment that would render all this unnecessary ! 
The desideratum has been found — a free escape of perspiration, a 
moist and softened state of the skin, an evident increase of health, 
and capability of enduring fatigue, and working on shorter supply 
of food than he could before. This is said to be performed by the 
clipping and singeing systems. 

Mr. Thomas Turner, who was almost one of the earliest advo- 
cates of these systems, states that during the months of October 
and November an inordinate growth of hair is observed over the 
whole surface of the body, and in many horses as early as the be- 
ginning of September, and almost invariably prevails, more or 
less, in every horse that is not thorough-bred. The debilitating 
effects thereby induced are profuse perspiration on the least pos- 
sible exertion — depression of the animal spirits, and temporary 
loss of appetite. The immediate removal of all the superfluous 
hair by close clipping, instantly proves so powerful a tonic to the 
animal, that he unhesitatingly affirms it to be inferior to none at 
present known in our pharmacopseia. Mr. Turner adds, — " Now, 
signal as the success of clipping has been, I do entertain a hope, 
and am of opinion that, in the majority of instances, it may be 
superseded by singeing under certain modifications." 

We may not, perhaps, be able satisfactorily to explain the ap- 
parently magical effects of clipping and singeing on the general 
constitution, and particularly the wind of the horse, or the respi- 
ratory functions generally, but there is no doubt of their exist- 
ence. An increased tone is given to the system generally ; and 
probably, in some way not yet sufficiently developed, the increased 
current of the electric fluid may have much to do with it. 

HIDEBOUND. 

This is not so much a diminution of the cellular or fatty sub- 
stance between the skin and the muscles beneath, as it is an al- 
teration in the skin itself. It is a hardness and unyieldingness 
of the skin from the want of the oily matter on its surface and its 
substance. It is the difference that is presented to the feeling by 
well curried and supple leather, and that which has become dry 
and unyielding. 

The surface of the skin becoming dry and hard, the scales of 



408 HIDE-BOUND. 

the cuticle are no longer penetrated by the hair, but separating 
themselves in every direction, give that peculiar roughness to the 
coint which accompanies want of condition. It betokens impaired 
function of the vessels everywhere, and particularly those of the 
stomach and bowels. Hide-bound is not so much a disease as a 
symptom of disease, and particularly of the digestive organs ; and 
our remedies must be applied not so much to the skin — although 
we have, in friction and in warmth, most valuable agents in pro- 
ducing a healthy condition of the integuments — as to the cause 
of the hide-bound, and the state of the constitution generally. 
Every disease that can affect the general system may produce 
this derangement of the functions of the skin. Glanders, when 
become constitutional, is strongly indicated by the unthrifty ap- 
pearance of the coat. Chronic cough, grease, farcy, and founder, 
are accompanied by hide-bound ; and diet too sparing, and not 
adequate to the work exacted, is an unfailing source of it. If 
the cause is removed, the effect will cease. 

Should the cause be obscure, as it frequently is — should the 
horse wear an unthrifty coat, and his hide cling to his ribs, with- 
out any apparent disease, we shall generally be warranted in 
tracing it to sympathy with the actual, although not demonstrable, 
suspension of some important secretion or function, either of the 
alimentary canal or the respiratory functions. A few mashes, and 
a mild dose of physic, are first indicated, and, simple as they ap- 
pear to be, they often have a very beneficial effect. The regular 
action of the bowels being re-established, that of all the organs 
of the frame will speedily follow. If the horse cannot be spared 
for physic, alteratives may be administered. There is no better 
alterative for hide-bound and an unthrifty coat, than that which 
is in common use, pulverized antimony, nitre, and sulphur. The 
peculiar effect of the antimony and sulphur, and electric influ- 
ence on the skin, with that of the sulphur on the bowels, and 
of the nitre on the urinary organs, will be here advantageously 
combined. 

Should the horse not feed well, and there is no indication of 
fever, a slight tonic may be added, as gentian or ginger ; but in 
the majority of cases, attended by loss of condition and an un- 
thrifty coat, and hide-bound, tonics and aromatics should be care- 
fully avoided. 

The cause of the impaired action of the vessels being removed, 
the powers of nature will generally be sufficient, and had better 
be left to themselves. There are not any more dangerous medi- 
cines in common use in the stable, and especially in cases like 
these, than tonics and cordials. They often arouse to fatal action 
a tendency to fever that would otherwise have slept, or they pro- 
duce a state of excitement near akin to fever, and apt to degen- 



PORES OF THE SKIN 409 

erate into it. By the stimulus of a cordial, the secretions may 
be suddenly roused, and among them, this unctuous secretion from 
the pores of the skin, so necessary to apparent condition ; hut the 
effect soon passes over, and a repetition of the stimulus is neces- 
sary — the habit is soon formed — the dose must be gradually in- 
creased, and in the mean time the animal is kept in a state of 
dangerous excitement, by which the powers of nature must be 
eventually impaired. 

Friction may be employed with advantage in the removal of hide- 
bound. It has repeatedly been shown that this is one of the most 
efficacious instruments we can use, to call into exercise the sus- 
pended energies either of the absorbent or secreting vessels. 
Warmth may likewise be had recourse to — not warmth of stable, 
which has been shown to be so injurious, but warmth arising 
from exercise, and the salutary, although inexplicable, imiuenct 
of clipping and singeing. 

PORES OF THE SKIN. 

Besides the openings already mentioned, through which pro- 
ceeds the unctuous fluid that supplies and softens the skin, there 
are others more numerous, by means of which a vast quantity of 
aqueous fluid escapes, and perspiration is carried on. 

This process of perspiration is not, however, so far under the 
control of medicine as in the human being.* 

We are not aware of any drugs that will certainly produce it. 
Warm clothing seems occasionally to effect it, but this is more 
in appearance than reality. The insensible perspiration cannot 
escape through the mass of clothing, and assumes a visible form. 
There are, however, a few medicines, as antimony and sulphur, 
that have an evident and very considerable effect on the skin, in 
opening its pores and exciting its vessels to action. 

Of the existence of absorbent vessels on the skin, or those 
which take up some fluid or substance, and convey it into the 
circulation, we have satisfactory proof. A horse is even more 
easily salivated than the human being. Salivation has been pro- 
duced by rubbing a splint with mercurial ointment, previous to 
blistering ; and a very few drachms rubbed on the inside of the 
thighs, will probably produce a greater effect than the practitioner 
desires. 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Although the same medicines will not pro- 
duce this effect, yet those that come under the designation of diffusible 
stimulants, will. Thus, a large dose of spirit of nitrous ether will often pro- 
duce perspiration; and so, likewise, w;Q the spirit of hartshorn, and even 
vinegar. 

R 



410 MOULTING. 



MOULTING. 



Twice in the year, the hair of the body of the horse is changed. 
The short, fine coat of summer would afford little protection 
against the winter, and that of the winter would be oppressive 
to the animal, if it appeared during the summer. The hair of 
the mane and tail remains. The bulbous root of the hair does 
not die, but the pulpy matter seems to be removed from the root 
of the hair, which, thus deprived of its nourishment, perishes 
and dro j off, and a new hair springs at its side from the same 
bulb. The hair which is produced in the autnmn, is evidently 
differs i from that which grows in the spring ; it is coarser, 
thicker, and not so glossy as the other. As moulting is a process 
extending over the whole of the skin, and requiring a very con- 
siderable expenditure of vital power, the health of the animal is 
generally affected at these times. That energy, and nervous vital 
influence, which should support the whole of the frame, is to a 
great degree determined to the skin, and the animal is languid, 
and unequal to much hard work. He perspires greatly w;th 
the least unusual exertion, and if he is pressed beyond his strengt h, 
becomes seriously ill. 

The treatment which the groom in this case adopts, is most 
absurd and dangerous. The horse, from the deranged distribution 
of vital power, is disposed to fever, or he labors under a slight 
degree of fever, sufficiently indicated by the increased quickne'm 
of pulse, redness of nose, and heat of mouth. The lassitude ani 
want of appetite which are the accompaniments of this febriK 
state, are mistaken for debility ; and cordials of various kind's 
some of them exceedingly stimulating, are unsparingly adminis*- 
tered. At length, with regard to the hunter, the racer, and even 
in the hackney and the carriage-horse, the scissors or the lamp 
are introduced, and a new method is established of guarding 
against this periodical debility, setting at defiance the occasional 
exposure to cold, and establishing a degree of health and strength 
previously unknown. Friction may be allowed, to assist the fall- 
ing off of the old hair, and to loosen the cuticle for the appear- 
ance of the new hair, but it is somewhat more gently applied 
than it used to be. The curry-comb is in a great measure ban- 
ished, and even the brush is not applied too hard or too long. 
The old hair is not forced off before the young hair is ready to 
take its place. 

Nature adapts the coat to the climate and to the season. The 
Sheltie has one as long and thick as that of a bear ; and, as the 
summer is short and cold in those northern islands, the coat is 
rough and shaggy during the whole of the year. In the southern 



COLOR. 411 

parts :f our country, the short, and light and glossy coat of sum 
mer gradually yields to the close and heavy, and warm clothing 
of winter. In the deserts of Arabia, where the winter is rarely 
cold, the coat remains short and glossy throughout the year. 
These are wise and kind provisions of nature, and excite our ad 
miration.* 

COLOR. 

The color of the hair admits of every variety, and each color 
becomes in turn fashionable. Like that of the skin, it is influ- 
enced by, or depends on, the mucous mesh- work under the cuticle. 
There are comparatively few perfectly white horses now remain- 
ing. The majority of white horses are those that have become 
so. Light-grey colts begin to grow white before they are five 
years old, especially if they have not much dark mixture about 
the joints. 

Grrey horses are of different shades, from the lightest silver to 
a dark iron-grey. The silver-grey reminds the observer of the 
palfrey, improved by an admixture of Arab blood. He does not 
often exceed fourteen hands and a half in height, and is round 
carcassed — thin-legged — with oblique pasterns, calculated for a 
light carriage, or for a lady's riding — seldom subject to disease — 
but not very fleet, or capable of hard work. 

The iron-grey is usually a larger horse ; higher in the withers, 
deeper and thinner in the carcass, more angular in all his propor- 
tions, and in many cases a little too long in the legs. Some of 
these greys make good hackneys and hunters, and especially the 
Irish horses ; but they are principally used for the carriage. They 
have more endurance than the flatness of their chest would pro- 
mise ; but their principal defect is their feet, which are liable to 
contraction, and yet that contraction not so often accompanied by 
lameness as in many other horses. 

The dappled grey is generally a handsomer and a better horse 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — We must protest against the idea that a horse 
with a long coat, however fed and trained, is in as good condition, or capable 
of as great exertion, as a horse with a sleek glossy coat. As well may a 
man with a great coat on attempt to run a race with another stripped al- 
most to the skin. This fact it is which has led to the now general practice 
of clipping or singeing, by which the coats of coarse-skinned horses are re- 
moved, and the horses put on a par with sleek-skinned animals, without the 
necessity of very hot stables, and a long course of preparatory treatment. 
The advantages of clipping are great ; perspiration is considerably lessened, 
the horse is soon brought into condition, and grooming is greatly facilitated, 
without unnecessary irritation ; indeed, the quickest method is to wash the 
skin while the animal is somewhat warm, with warm water (and soap if ne- 
cessary), and then scrape the skin, and throw a horse-cloth on the body, 
which, in the course of ten minutes, will be found dry and comfortable. 



412 COLOR. 

All the angulai points of the iron-grey are filled up, and with 
that which not jnly adds to symmetry, but to use. Whether as 
a hackney, or, the larger variety, a carriage-horse, there are few 
better, especially since his form has been so materially improved, 
and so much of his heaviness got rid of, by the free use of foreign 
blood. There are not, however, so many dappled greys as there 
used to be, since the bays have been bred with so much care. 
The dappled grey, if dark at first, generally retains his color to 
old age. 

Some of the greys approach to a nutmeg, or even bay color. 
Many of these are handsome, and most of them are hardy. 

The roans, of every variety of color and form, are composed of 
white mixed with bay, or red, or black. In some it seems to be 
a natural mixture of the colors ; in others it appears as if one 
color was powdered or sprinkled over another. They are pretty 
horses for ladies or light carriages, and many of them easy in 
their paces, but they do not usually display much blood, nor are 
they celebrated for endurance. If they should have white fore 
legs, with white hoofs, they are too often tender-footed, or become 
so with even a little hard work. 

The strawberry horse is a mixture of sorrel with white ; usu- 
ally handsome and pleasant, but more celebrated for these quali 
ties than for strength and endurance. 

The pied horse is one that has distinct spots or patches of dif- 
ferent colors, but generally of white with some other color. They 
are not liked as hackneys, on account of their peculiarity of color, 
nor in teams of horses ; but they look well when tolerably matched 
in a phaeton or light carriage. Their value must depend on their 
breed. Of themselves they have no peculiar character, except that 
a white leg and foot is as suspicious in them as it is in the roan. 
The dun, of the Gralloway size, and with considerable blood, is 
often attached to the curricle or the phaeton. The larger variety 
is a true farmer's or miller's horse, with no great speed or extra- 
ordinary strength, yet a good-tempered, good-feeling, good-consti 
tutioned, useful horse enough. Varieties of the dun, shaded with 
a darker color, or dappled, and with some breeding, and not stand- 
ing too high, are beautiful animals, and much sought after for 
light carriages. 

The cream-color, of Hanoverian extraction, with his white iris 
and red pupil, is appropriated to royal use. Attached to the state- 
carriage of the monarch, he is a superb animal. His bulky, yet 
perfectly-formed body, his swelling crest, and his proud and lofty 
action, as if conscious of his office, qualify him for the service 
that is exacted from him, but we have little experience how far 
ne would suit other purposes. 

Of the chestnuts there are three varieties — the pale red or the 



COLOR. 413 

sorrel, usually with some white, either on the face or the legs — 
generally lightly made, yet some of them bulky enough for the 
heaviest loads. Their color is generally objectionable, and they 
are supposed to be somewhat deficient in endurance. 

The light chestnut, with less red and a little more bay or brown, 
is considered a preferable animal, especially if he has little or no 
white about him ; yet even he, although pleasant to ride, is some- 
times irritable, and generally weak. We must except one variety, 
the Suffolk punch ; a heavy horse, and adapted for slow work, 
but perfect of his kind — whom no labor can daunt, no fatigue 
overcome. This is a breed now, unfortunately, nearly extinct. 
The present variety, however crossed, is not equal to the old 
Suffolk. 

The dark chestnut is as different a horse from the hackney-like 
chestnut as can be well imagined ; round in the carcase ; pow- 
erful in the quarters, but rather fine in the legs ; possessed of 
great endurance, and with a constitution that rarely knows an 
ailment, except that the feet are small and disposed to contrac- 
tion, and the horse is occasionally of a hot and unmanageable 
temper. 

Of the bays, there are many varieties, and they include the 
very best of our horses of every description. The bright yellow 
bay, although very beautiful, and especially if his mane and tail 
are black, is the least valuable — the lightness of his color seems 
to give him some tenderness of constitution. The pure bay, with 
no white about him, and black from the knees and hocks to the 
feet, is the most desirable of all. He has generally a good con- 
stitution, and good feet ; and, if his conformation is not faulty, 
will turn out a valuable horse for almost every purpose. 

The bay-brown has not always so much show and action, but, 
generally, more strength and endurance, and usefulness. He has 
greater substance than the lighter bay, and more depth of leg ; 
and, if he had the same degree of breeding, he would be as hand- 
some and more valuable. 

When, however, we arrive at the browns, it is necessary to 
examine the degree of breeding. This color is not so fashionable, 
and therefore these horses have been considerably neglected. 
There are many good ones, and those that are good are val. 
uable ; others, probably, are only half or a quarter bred, and 
therefore comparatively coarse, yet useful for the saddle and for 
harness — for slow work, and, occasionally, for that which is more 
rapid. 

The black-brown is generally more neglected so far as its breed 
is concerned, and should be more carefully examined. It is val- 
uable if it retains the goodness of constitution of the brown and 
bay- brown. 



414 COLOR. 

Of the black, greater care has been taken. The heaA-y black 
of Lincolnshire and the midland counties is a noble animal, and 
would be almost beyond price if he could be rendered more ac 
tive. The next in size constitute the majority of our wagon- 
horses, and perhaps our best ; and, on a smaller breed, and to 
the improvement of which much attention has been devoted, 
nany of our cavalry are mounted. A few black thorough-bred 
horses and black hunters are occasionally seen, but the improve- 
ment of horses of this color has not been studied, except for the 
purposes that have been mentioned. Their peculiar high action, 
while not objectionable for draught, and desirable for the parade, 
would be unbearable in the roadster. Black horses have been 
said to be more subject to vice, disease, and blindness, than those 
of any other color. This charge is not true to its full extent ; 
but there certainly are a great many worthless black horses in 
in every part of the country. 

After all, there is an old saying, that a good horse cannot be 
a bad color ; and that it is far more necessary to attend to the 
conformation and points of the animal than to his color. The 
foregoing observations, however, although they admit of many 
exceptions, may be useful in guiding to the judicious purchase 
of the horse.* 

* Note bg Mr. Spooner. — Coloe. — We do not consider that the size, con- 
formation, and qualifications of horses depend so much on the color as the 
text would imply. We have found both good and bad horses of every 
color, and the only rule we can admit as correct is, that certain colors denote 
deficient breeding, and therefore such animal is not likely to be so good as 
he looks, but is probably deficient in bottom or the powers of endurance. 
These colors are black, which prevails so much with cart-horses, and sorrel, 
dun, piebald, ifcc. ; the possessors of which come from the north, and possess 
no eastern blood. Black horses, unless evidently high bred, are very often 
soft and sluggish, with breeding insufficient for their work ; the pedigree of 
the majority of them may be dated from the plough-tail, whatever admix- 
tures there may have been since. White hair denotes a thin skin, which is 
objectionable, when it prevails on the legs of horses, as such animals are 
more disposed to swelled legs and cracked heels than others. Bay horses 
with black legs are greatly esteemed, and yet we have known many 
determined slugs of this hue. Their constitution is, however, almost inva- 
riably good. Chestnut is the prevailing color with our race-horses, and con- 
sequently chestnut horses are generally pretty well bred, and possess the 
good and bad qualities which obtain most amongst thorough-breds. The 
Suffolk cart-horse is also distinguished by his light chestnut color : and it is 
no small recommendation to find that this br^ed has, for several years past, 
carried away the principal prizes at the annual shows of the Royal Agricul 
tural Society of England. 

Gray is a very good color, and one which has become very fashionable 
for Carriage and phaeton horses during the present reign. Her Majesty's 
ponies, as they are still called, although they have increased in height from 
thirteen to fifteen hands, are beautiful specimens of this color, and have 
rendered the color fashionable for harness purposes. These horse* have a 



SURFEIT. 4 1 3 



SURFEIT. 



Large pimples or eruptions often appear suddenly on the skin 
of the horse, and especially in the spring of the year. Occasion- 
ally they disappear as quickly as they came. Sometimes they 
sjem to be attended with great itching, but at other times, the an- 
noyance is comparatively little. When these eruptions have 
remained a few days, the cuticle frequently peels off, and a small 
scaly spot — rarely a sore — is left. This is called a surfeit, from 
its resemblance to some eruptions on the skin of the human beinof 
when indigestible or unwholesome food has been taken. The 
surfeit is, in some cases, confined to the neck ; but it oftenei 
spreads over the sides, back, loins, and quarters. The cause is 
enveloped in some obscurity. The disease most frequently appea rs 
when the skin is irritable during or after the process of moulting, 
or when it sympathizes with any disorder of the stomach. It 
has been known to follow the eating of poisonous herbs or mow- 
burnt hay, but, much oftener, it is to be traced to exposure to 
cold when the skin was previously irritable and the horse heated 
by exercise. It has also been attributed to the immoderate drink- 
ing of cold water when the animal was hot. It is obstruction of 
some of the pores of the skin and swelling of the surrounding sub- 
stance, either from primary affection of the skin, or a plethoric 
state of the system, or sympathy with the digestive organs. 

The state of the patient will sufficiently guide the surgeon as 
to the course he should pursue. If there is simple eruption, 
without any marked inflammatory action, alteratives should be 
resorted to, and particularly those recommended for hide-bound 
in page 407. They should be given on several successive nights. 
The night is better than the morning, because the warmth of the 
stable will cause the antimony and sulphur to act more power- 
fully on the skin. The horse should be warmly clothed — half an 

considerable admixture of eastern blood, and most of them are immediately 
derived from an Arab or a Turkish horse. This, indeed, is the principal or 
only use of the eastern horse in this country. It is vain to expect any 
improvement in the speed of our race-horses from foreign admixture, for 
every attempt of the kind for some years past has been unsuccessful. The 
circular carcase, arched neck, good shoulders and fore legs, high and excel- 
lent trotting action, are, however, qualifications which our thorough-breds 
cannot supply, and are truly valuable in animals required for getting car- 
riage-horses. The white Arabian horse is, therefore, the very animal re- 
quired for getting phaeton horses, and, if put to large mares, are also well 
adapted for perpetuating handsome and valuable carriage-horses. Then-, 
are also some excellent cart-horses of a gray color ; some of massive propor 
tions, and others of moderate size, and more active. The iron grays and 
roans are generally cleaner about the legs, and more compact than the 
mottled greys. 



41C MANGE. 

hour's walking exercise should be given, an additional rug thrown 
over him — such green feed as can be procured should be used in 
moderate quantities, and the chill should be taken from the 
water. 

Should the eruption continue or assume a more violent charac- 
ter, bleeding and aloes must be had recourse to, but neither 
should be carried to any extreme. The physic having set, the al- 
teratives should again be had recourse to, and attention should 
be paid to the comfort and diet of the horse . 

If the eruption, after several of these alternative appearan jes 
and disappearances, should remain, and the cuticle and the hair 
begin extensively to peel off, a worse affection is to be feared, for 
surfeit is too apt to precede, or degenerate into, mange. This dis- 
order, therefore, must next be considered. 

MANGE 

Is a pimpled or vesicular eruption. After a while the vesicles 
break, or the cuticle and the hair fall off, and there is, as in ob- 
stinate surfeit, a bare spot covered with scurf — some fluid oozing 
from the skin beneath, and this changing to a scab, which like- 
wise soon peels off, and leaves a wider spot. This process is at- 
tended by considerable itching and tenderness, and thickening of 
the skin, which soon becomes more or less folded, or puckered. 
The mange generally first appears on the neck at the root of tht> 
mane, and its existence may be suspected even before the blotches 
appear, and when there is only considerable itchiness of the part, 
by the ease with which the short hair at the root of the mane 
is plucked out. From the neck it spreads upward to the head, 
or downward to the withers and back, and occasionally extends 
over the whole carcass of the horse. 

One cause of it, although an unfrequent one, has been stated 
to be neglected or inveterate surfeit. Several instances are on 
record in which poverty of condition, and general neglect of 
cleanliness, preceded or produced the most violent mange. A 
remark of Mr. Blaine is very important: — "Among the truly 
healthy, so far as my experience goes, it never arises spontane- 
ously, but it does readily form a spontaneous origin among the 
unhealthy." The most common cause is contagion. Amidst the 
whole list of diseases to which the horse is exposed, there is not 
one more highly contagious than mange. If it once gets into a 
stable, it spreads through it, for the slightest contact seems suffi- 
cient for the communication of this noisome complaint. 

If the same brush and currycomb is used on all the horses, the 
propagation of mange is assured ; and horses feeding in the same 
pasture with a mangy one rarely escape, from the propensity they 



MANGE. 417 

have to nibble one another. Mange in cattle has been propagated 
to the horse, and from the horse to cattle. There are also some 
well-authenticated instances of the same disease being communi- 
cated from the dog to the horse, but not from the horse to the dog. 

Mange has been said to originate in want of cleanliness in the 
management of the stable. The comfort and the health of the 
horse demand the strictest cleanliness. The eyes and the lungs 
frequently suffer from the noxious fumes of the purifying dung 
and urine ; but, in defiance of common prejudice, there is no au- 
thentic instance of mange being the result. Poverty and starva- 
tion are fruitful sources of mange, but it does not appear that 
filth has much to do with it, although poverty and filth generally 
go hand in hand. 

The propriety of bleeding in cases of mange depends on the con- 
dition of the patient. If mange is the result of poverty, and the 
animal is much debilitated, bleeding will increase the evil, and 
will probably deprive the constitution of the power of rallying. 
Physic, however, is indispensable in every case. A mercurial 
ball will be preferable to a common aloetic one, as more certain 
and effectual in its operation, and the mercury probably having 
some influence in mitigating the disease. In this, however, 
mange in the horse resembles itch in the human being — medicine 
alone will never effect a cure. There must be some local appli- 
cation. There is this additional similarity — that which is most 
effectual in curing the itch in the human being must form the 
basis of every local application for the cure of mange in the horse. 
Sulphur is indispensable in every ointment for mange. It is the 
sheet-anchor of the veterinary surgeon. In an early and not very 
acute state of mange, equal portions of sulphur, turpentine, and 
train-oil, gently but well rubbed on the part, will be applied with 
advantage. Farriers are fond of the black sulphur, but that which 
consists of earthy matter, with the mere dregs of various substan- 
ces, caimot be so effectual as the pure sublimed sulphur. A tol- 
erably stout brush, or even a curry-comb, lightly applied, should 
be used, in order to remove the dandriff or scurf, wherever there 
is any appearance of mange. After that, the horse should be 
washed with strong soap and water as far as the disease has ex- 
tended ; and, when he has been thoroughly dried, the ointment 
should be well rubbed in with the naked hand, or with a piece 
of flannel. More good will be done by a little of the ointment 
being well rubbed in, than by a great deal being smeared over 
the part. The rubbing should be daily repeated. 

During the application of the ointment, and as soon as the physic 
has set, an alterative ball or powder, similar to those recommend- 
ed tor the other affections of the skin, should be daily given. If, 

after some days have passed, no progress should appear to havn 
27 r 



4] 8 MANGE. 

been ;nade, haif a pound of sulphur should be well mixed with a 
pint ol oil ol tar, or, if that is not to be obtained, a pint of Barba- 
boes tar, and the affected parts rubbed, as before. On every fifth 
or sixth day, the ointment snould be washed off with warm soap 
and water. The progress towards cure will thus be ascertained, 
and the skin will be cleansed, and its pores opened for the more 
effectual application of the ointment. 

The horse should be well supplied with nourishing, but not 
stimulating food. As much green feed as he will eat should be 
given to him, or, what is far better, he should be turned out, if 
the weather is not too cold. It may be useful to add, that, after 
the horse has been once well dressed with either of these liniments, 
the danger of contagion ceases. It is necessary, however, to be 
assured that every mangy place has been anointed. It will be 
prudent to give two or three dressings after the horse has been ap- 
parently cured, and to continue the alteratives for ten days or a 
fortnight. 

The cure being completed, the clothing of the horse should be 
well soaked in water, to which a fortieth part of the saturated so- 
lution of the chloride of lime has been added ; after which i v 
should be washed with soap and water, and again washed ana 
soaked in a solution of the chloride of lime. Every part of the 
harness should undergo a similar purification. The curry-comb 
may be scoured but the brush should be burned. The rack and 
manger, and partitions, and every part of the stable which the 
horse could possibly have touched, should be well washe'd with a 
hair-broom — a pint of the chloride of lime being added to three 
gallons of water. All the wood-work should then be scoured with 
soap and water, after which a second washing with the chloride 
of lime will render all secure. 

Every case of itchiness of the skin should be regarded with sus- 
picion. When a horse is seen to rub the root of his tail, or his 
head, or neck, against the manger, the parts should be carefully 
examined. Some of the hair may have been rubbed or torn oil* 
but if the roots remain firmly adherent, and there is only redness 
and not scurfiness of the skin, it probably is not mange, but only 
inflammation of the skin, from too great fulness of blood. A lit- 
tle blood should be abstracted — a purgative administered — and 
the alteratives given. The mange ointment cannot do harm, and 
may possibly prevent this heat of the skin from degenerating into 
mange, or arrest the progress of mange if it has commenced. If 
a scurfiness of the skin should appear on any of the points that 
are pressed upon by the collar or harness, the veterinary surgeon 
will do right to guard against danger by alterative medicine and 
tVie use of the jintment.* 

* N'nta by Mr. Spooner. — We have only to remark, that the administration 



WARTS VERMIN. 419 



WARTS. 

These are occasionally found on all parts of the horse. There 
are some caustics available, but frequently they must be removed 
by an operation. If the root is very small, it may be snipped 
asunder, close to the skin, with a pair of scissors, and touched 
with the lunar caustic. If the pedicle or stem is somewhat larger, 
a ligature of waxed silk should be passed firmly round it, and tight- 
ened every day. The source of nutriment being thus removed, the 
tumor will, in a short time, die and drop off. If the warts are large, 
or in considerable clusters, it will be necessary to cast the horse, 
in order to cut them off close to the skin : the root should then 
be seared with a red-hot iron. Unless these precautions are used, 
the warts will speedily sprout again. 

VERMIN. 

Both the biped and the quadruped are subject to the visitation 
of insects that fasten on the skin, and are a constant nuisance 
from the itchiness which they occasion. If the horse, after being 
turned out for the winter, is taken up in the spring long and rough 
in his coat, and poor in condition, and with evident hide-bound, he 
will almost invariably be afflicted with vermin. 

In our present imperfect acquaintance with natural history, it 
is difficult to account for the appearance of certain insects, and of 
chose alone, on the integument of one animal, while others of an 
altogether different character are found on its neighbor. Each 
one has a tormentor peculiar to itself. 

The vermin of the horse is destroyed by an infusion of tobacco 
or a solution of corrosive sublimate, the latter requiring the great- 
est caution. The skin being once cleansed of them, an attention 
to cleanliness will prevent their reappearance. 

of mercurial physic requires extreme caution in this disease. We have 
known horses very low in condition killed by this means, and we doubt the 
necessity of the purge. Topical treatment is the principal remedy, and it is 
also well to administer sulphur internally at the same time. 

There is a disease very much resembling the mange, which we occasionally 
meet with. The horse is affected with the most violent itching, and the 
hair is often rubbed off, but the skin does not become wrinkled, as in 
mange. Though this disease often appears to yield to the same topical 
treatment as the mange, yet, in some instances, it is incurable, and continue^ 
through life. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



ON SOUNDNESS, AND THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF HORSES. 

[This chapter is given nearly entire, as in the original, and in 
the remarks on warranty, &c, entire, because it is believed to 
give a luminous exposition of what equity in all cases demands 
in regard to the matters of which it treats. It constitutes there- 
fore the proper basis of amicable settlement between gentlemen, 
in all countries, where the purchaser of the horse alleges a 
violation of warranty ; and the basis of proper adjudication 
where an action is commenced for fraud. In some of the 
States of the Union, there may be statutes or judicial decisions 
which would vary from the English ones cited on the subject of 
warranty, fraud, and as to what constitutes unsoundness, — but 
probably in most cases, they will be found substantially the 
same. — Am. Ed. J 

There are few sources of greater annoyance both to the pur- 
chaser and the seller of the horse than disputes with regard to 
the soundness of the animal. 

That horse is sound in whom there is no disease, and no alter- 
ation of structure that impairs, or is likely to impair, his natural 
usefulness. The - horse is unsound that labors under disease, or 
has some alteration of structure which does interfere, or is likely 
to interfere, with his natural usefulness.* The term " natural 
usefulness " must be borne in mind. One horse may possess 
great speed, but is soon knocked up ; another will work all day, 
hut cannot be got beyond a snail's pace : a third with a heavy 

* Since the publication of our first edition, this definition or rule as to 
soundness or unsoundness has received very high judicial sanction. Coates 
v. Stephens, 2 Moody and Robinson, 157, Scholefield v. Robb, id. 210. We 
"hall adhere to it as our test of soundness or unsoundness throughout this 
chapter, not forgetting what is said in the following extract from a note to 
one of these cases. "As it may now be considered as settled law, that the 
breach of a warranty or soundness does not entitle the purchaser to return 
•he horse, but only to recover the difference of value of the horse with or 
without the particular unsoundness, the question of temporary maladies, 
producing no permanent deterioration of the animal, would, generally 
speaking, only involve a right to damages merely nominal." 



SOUNDNESS RULES FOR PURCHASE. 423 

forehand is liable to stumble, and is continually putting to 
hazard the neck of his rider ; another, with an irriwble consti- 
tution and a loose, washy form, loses his appetite and begins to 
scour if a litte extra work is exacted from him. The term un- 
soundness must not be applied to either of these ; it would be 
opening far too widely a door to disputation and endless wrang- 
ling. The buyer can discern, or ought to know, whether the 
form of the horse is that which will render him likely to suit 
his purpose, and he should try him sufficiently to ascertain his 
natural strength, endurance, and manner of going. Unsound- 
ness, we repeat, has reference only to diseease, or to that al- 
teration of structure which is connected with, or will produce 
disease, and lessen the usefulness of the animal. 

These principles will be best illustrated by a brief consider- 
ation of the usually supposed appearances or causes of unsound- 
ness. 

Broken knees certainly do not constitute unsoundness, after 
the wounds are healed, unless they interfere with the action of 
the joint ; for the horse may have fallen from mere accident, or 
through the fault of the rider, without the slightest damage 
more than the blemish. No person, however, would buy a 
horse with broken knees, until he has thoroughly tried him, and 
satisfied himself as to his form and action. 

Capped hocks may be produced by lying on an unevenly 
paved stable, with a scanty supply of litter, or by kicking gen- 
erally, in neither of which cases would they constitute unsound- 
ness, although in the latter they would be an indication of vice ; 
but, in the majority of instances, they are the consequence of 
sprain, or of latent injury of the hock, and accompanied by 
enlargement of it, and would constitute unsoundness. A special 
warranty should always be taken against capped hocks.* 

Contraction is a considerable deviation from the natural form 
of the foot, but not necessarily constituting unsoundness. It re- 
quires, however, a most careful examination on the part of the 
purchaser or veterinary surgeon, in order to ascertain that there 
is no heat about the quarter, or ossification of the cartilage — 
that the frog, although diminished in size, is not diseased — that 



* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Capped hocks. — In nine cases out of ten these 
enlargements are occasioned by kicking in the stall, a vice altogether differ- 
ent from that of spitefulness, which appears to arise more from restless- 
ness than anything else. The swelling consists of an effusion of serum or 
water in the cellular bag which is found beneath the skin at the point of 
the hock, placed there for the purpose of giving facility of motion. 

It is never occasioned by strains, therefore, although a sad blemish, it 
should not be regarded as an unsoundness, unless accompanied with other 
indications of disease. 



422 SOUNDNESS RULES FOR. PURCHASE. 

the horse does not step short and go as if the foot were tender, 
and that there is not the slightest trace of lameness. Unless 
these circumstances, or some of them, are detected, a horse must 
not be pronounced to be unsound because his feet are contracted ; 
for many horses with strangely contracted feet do not suffer at 
all in their action. A special warranty, however, should be 
required where the feet are at all contracted. 

Corns manifestly constitute unsoundness. The portion of the 
foot in which bad corns are situated will not bear the ordinary 
pressure of the shoe ; and accidental additional pressure from the 
growing down of the horn, or the introduction of dirt or gravel, 
will cause serious lameness. They render it necessary to wear 
a thick and heavy shoe, or a bar-shoe, in order to protect the 
weakened and diseased part ; and they are very seldom radically 
cured. There may be, however, and frequently is, a difference 
of opinion as to the actual existence or character of the corn. 
They are sometimes, too, so slight that they do not diminish the 
value of the horse, and will disappear on the horse being shod 
with ordinary skill and care, even without any alteration in the 
shoe. 

Cough. — This is a disease, and consequently unsoundness. 
However slight may be its degree, and of whatever short stand- 
ing it may be, although it may sometimes scarcely seem to inter- 
fere with the usefulness of the horse, yet a change of stabling 
or slight exposure to wet and cold, or the least over-exertion, 
may, at other times, cause it to degenerate into many dangerous 
complaints. A horse, therefore, should never be purchased with 
a cough upon him, without a special warranty ; or if — the 
cough not being observed — he is purchased under a -general war- 
ranty, that warranty is thereby broken. It is not law, that a 
horse may be returned on breach of the warranty. The seller 
is not bound to take him back, unless he has contracted so to do ; 
but he is liable to damages. Lord Ellenborough has completely 
decided this matter. "I have always held," said he, "that a 
warranty of soundness is broken, if the animal, at the time of 
sale, had any infirmity upon him that rendered him less fit for 
present service. It is not necessary that the disorder should be 
permanent or incurable. While he has a cough, he is unsound, 
although that may either be temporary or prove mortal." 

In deciding on another case, the same judge said, " I have al- 
ways held it that a cough is a breach of the warranty. On that 
understanding I have always acted, and think it quite clear." It 
was argued on the other hand that two-thirds of the horses in 
London had coughs, yet still the judge maintained that the cough 
was a breach of warranty. When it was farther argued that the 
horse had been hunted the day after the purchase, and the cough 



SOUNDNESS. 



423 



might have been increased by this, the reply was singular, but 
decisive. " There is no proof that he would have got well if he 
had not been hunted." This doctrine is confirmed by Parke, B., 
in the first case cited in p. 420. 

Roaring, Wheezing, Whistling, High-blowing, and Grunt- 
ing, being the result of alteration of structure, or disease in some 
of the air-passages, and interfering with the perfect freedom of 
breathing, especially when the horse is put on his speed, without 
doubt constitute unsoundness. There are decisions to the contra- 
ry, which are now universally admitted to be erroneous. Broken- 
wind is still more decidedly unsoundness.* 

0rd3-biting. — Although some learned judges have asserted 
that crib-biting is simply a trick or bad habit, it must be regarded 
as unsoundness. This unnatural sucking in of the air must, to a 
certain degree injure digestion. It must dispose to colic, and so 
interfere with the strength, and usefulness, and health of the horse. 
Some crib-biters are good goers, but they probably would have 
possessed more endurance had they not acquired this habit ; and 
it i B a fact well established, that, as soon as a horse becomes a 
crib-biter, he, in nine cases out of ten, loses condition. In its 
very early stage it may be a mere trick — confirmed, it must have 
produced morbid deterioration. The wear of the front teeth, and 
the occasional breaking of them, make a horse old before his time, 
and sometimes render it difficult or impossible for him to graze, 
when the state of the animal or the convenience of the owner re 
quires that he should be turned out.f 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Roaring, wheezing, and whistling may be con- 
sidered as modifications of the same disease, viz., an obstruction to the pas- 
sage of air to and from the lungs ; and as the nature and amount of this ob- 
struction necessarily varies, so must the noise thereby produced, and which 
is consequently expressed by the terms in question ; all, however, being de- 
cidedly unsoundness. 

Grunting is the noise which many roarers will evince when suddenly 
alarmed by a real or pretended blow. It is the common horse-dealer's 
method of discovering a roarer, but by no means one that can be depended 
on, as many moderate roarers, particularly if they have lately become so, 
will not grunt. With regard to high-blowing, we by no means consider it 
an unsoundness, understanding by this term, however, the noise, often very 
considerable, which some horses make on being first excited, or put into 
motion. This noise is produced by the false nostrils, which either possess 
greater laxity than common, or else it is owing to the neivousness of the 
horse. It begins at once if the horse is excited, and, instead of increasing 
with exertion, like roaring, it diminishes or goes off. This is, or ought to 
be, the proper test of soundness. 

Broken wind is of course decided unsoundness, and equally so is thick 
tqind, or quickened respiration, which often arises fro?n consolidation of a 
portion of the lungs, and sometimes merely from thickening of the mem- 
L ane of the air passages. 

\ Note by Mr. Spooner. — Crib-biting has often been the subject of dispute 



424 SOUNDNESS. 

Curb constitutes unsoundness while it lasts, and perhaps while 
the swelling remains, although the inflammation may have sub- 
sided ; for a horse that has once thrown out a curb is, for a while 
at least, very liable to do so again, to get lame in the same place 
on the slightest extra exertion ; or, at all events, he would there 
first fail on extraordinary exertion. A horse, however, is not re- 
turnable, although he should spring a curb five minutes alter the 
purchase ; for it is done in a moment, and does not necessarily in- 
dicate any previous unsoundness or weakness of the part. 5 * 

Cutting, as rendering a horse liable to serious injury of the 
legs, and indicating that he is either weak, or has an awkward- 
ness of gait inconsistent with safety, produces, rather than this, 
unsoundness. Many horses go lame for a considerable period 
after cutting themselves severely ; and others have dropped from 
the sudden agony, and endangered themselves and their riders. 
As some doubt, however, exists on this subject, and as it is a very 
material objection to a horse, cutting, when evid nt, should have 
its serious consequences provided against by a special warranty.! 

Enlarged Glands. — The enlargement of the glands under th* 
jaw has not been so much considered as it ought to have been in 

ii to whether it, constitutes unsoundness or not, which is not to be wondered at, 
seeing that many crib-biters will perform their work for many years without 
hindrance or inconvenience. Crib-biting is now, however, regarded as an 
unsoundness, on the principle that though at the present time the horse may 
be equal to his work, yet, at a future period, it may render him unequal to 
its performance, by causing indigestion, loss of flesh, and weakness. It is 
better that the question should be thus set at rest, as the value of the ani 
mal is very materially diminished by being a crib-biter, which is owing not 
so much to real injury, as to the disagreeable habit, and to the fact that if 
the animal is in a stable with other horses, they are very likely to learn the 
habit. 

Wind-sucking must come under the same rules as crib-biting, which re- 
sembles it so far as the swallowing of air is concerned, the animal, however, 
being enabled to do it without the necessity of laying hold of the manger. 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Curb constitutes unsoundness, unless it is well 
known that the horse has stood the ordeal of work for some months since 
the curb was thrown out, or any treatment adopted for it. As this infor- 
mation, however, can seldom be satisfactorily obtained, the possible effects 
of a curb should be guarded against by a special warranty. 

f Note by Mr. Spooner. — We cannot agree with the text in considering 
this an unsoundness. It is a visible defect, and therefore can readily be 
observed, and pointed out, and objected to, in proportion to the amount 
of the evil which may be very severe and unlikely to be remedied, or 
slight, and owing either to improper shoeing, or youth, awkwardness or 
Aveakness. To consider it, therefore, as an unsoundness, there being neither 
alteration of structure nor function, would be to open the door to perpetual 
disputes, and render the already vexed question of soundness still more 
vexatious. At the same time, if the cutting h considerable, and evidently 
arises from naturally defective action, and is of such a nature as not to ad 
mit of a remedy, we should not hesitate, in such a case, to pronounce the 
animal unsound. 



SOUNDNESS. 425 

our estimate of the soundness of the horse. Simple catarrh will 
occasionally, and severe affection of the chest will generally, be 
accompanied by swelling of these glands, which does not subside 
for a considerable time after the cold or fever has apparently 
been cured. To slight enlargements of the glands under the jaw 
much attention need not be paid ; but if they are of considerable 
size, and especially if they are tender, and the glands at the root 
of the ear partake of the enlargement, and the membrane of the 
nose is redder than it should be, we should hesitate in pronouncing 
that horse to be sound. We must consider the swelling as a 
symptom of disease. 

Enlarged Hock. — Ahorse with enlarged hock is unsound, the 
structure of this complicated joint being so materially affected 
that, although the horse may appear for a considerable time to be 
capable of ordinary work, he will occasionally fail even in that, 
and a few days' hard work will always lame nim. # 

The Eyes. — That inflammation of the eye of the horse which 
usually terminates in blindness of one or both eyes, has the pecu- 
liar character of receding or disappearing for a time, once or 
twice, or thrice, before it fully runs its course. The eye, after an 
attack of inflammation, regains so nearly its former natural bril- 
liancy that a person even well acquainted with horses will not 
always recognize the traces of former disease. After a time, how- 
ever, the inflammation returns, and the result is inevitable. A 
horse that has had one attack of this complaint, is long afterwards 
unsound, however perfect the eye may seem to be, because he 
carries about with him a disease that will probably again break 
out, and eventually destroy the sight. Whether, therefore, he 
may be rejected or not, depends on the possibility of proving an 
attack of inflammation of the eye, prior to the purchase. Next 
to direct evidence of this are appearances about the eye, of which 
the veterinary surgeon at least ought not to be ignorant. Allu- 
sion has been made to them in page 64. They consist chiefly of 
a puckering of the lids towards the inner corner of one or both 
eyes — a difference in the size of the eyes, although perhaps only 
a slight one, and not discovered except it be looked for — a gloom- 
iness of the eye — a dullness of the iris — a little dullness of the 



* Note by Mr. Spooner. — The greater number of these cases, arising as 
they most frequently do from strains, we should consider as unsoundness, 
even although the probability may be that the horse will stand work with- 
out lameness. There is weakness of the part, and a possibility of lame- 
ness. There are, however, other cases in which the enlargement may be in 
the skin, or immediately under it, or on the outside of the bone, such cases 
being often produced by kicks or blows, or other external injuries. There 
are many such cases that we should regard as blemishes, but not as un- 
soundness 



426 SOUNDNESS. 

transparent part of the eye generally — a minute, faint, dusky spol 
deep in the eye, and generally with little radiations of white lines 
proceeding from it. If these symptoms, or the majority of them, 
existed at the time of purchase, the animal had assuredly been 
diseased before, and was unsound Starting has been considered 
as unequivocal proof. It is usually an indication of defective 
sight, but it is occasionally a trick. Connected, however, with 
he appearances just described, it is a very strong corroborative 
proof.* 

Lameness, from whatever cause arising, is unsoundness. How- 
ever temporary it may be, or however obscure, there must be dis- 
ease which lessens the utility of the horse, and renders him un- 
sound for the time. So says common sense, but there are contra- 
dictory decisions on the case. " A horse laboring under a tempo- 
rary injury or hurt, which is capable of being speedily cured or 
removed, is not, according to Chief Justice Eyre> an unsound 
horse ; and where a warranty is made that such a horse is sound, 
it is made without any view to such an injury ; nor is a horse so 
circumstanced within the meaning of the warranty. To vitiate 
the warranty, the injury the horse had sustained, or the malady 

* Note by Mr.Spooner. — All internal diseases of the eye, or the remains 
of such diseases, constitute unsoundness ; and even although no mischief can 
be discovered at the time of sale, yet, if inflammation can be proved to have 
existed previously, and such inflammation subsequently recurs, the horse is 
returnable. As, however, it is extremely difficult to obtain such proof, the 
most particular care should be taken with regard to an examination of the 
eyes. Distinction, however, must be made between those streaks or opaque 
spots often seen on the cornea alone, and without the axis of vision, and which, 
invariably arises from blows or other external injuries, and which, although 
amounting to a blemish, does not constitute unsoundness. There are also 
occasional specks deeper in the eye, about the size of a pin's head, evidently 
on the surface of the crystalline lens, and not in its body. These false cata- 
racts, as they may be called in contradistinction to true cataracts, are very 
frequently absorbed, and do not increase or injure vision. When, there- 
fore, the examiner can satify himself that such is the nature of the specks in 
question, he will be justified, whilst pointing out their existence, in deciding 
in favor of soundness of the animal. 

We cannot by any means agree with the doctrine implied in the text, that 
a blind horse is not returnable. If the horse is warranted sound, and proves 
to be blind, the warranty is broken, and the horse is returnable. Many 
purchasers of horses know no more about a horse than a horse does about 
them, and cannot be supposed to be capable of discovering the animal's 
defects, and they have a right to consider the warranty as their protection. 
The writer himself remembers, many years since, riding a horse twenty 
miles on a turnpike road, without knowing that the animal was blind. It 
was a case of amaurosis ; the eye was clear and apparently free from dis- 
ease, the animal went safe, straight and well, and he could scarcely believe 
it, the next morning, when he found that the animal was stone blind. 

If, however, the horse is bought without a warranty, the defect being* ap- 
parent, the horse is then not returnable on the ground of fraud. 



SOUNDNESS. 427 



under which he labored, ought to be of a permanent nature, and 
not such as may arise from a temporary injury or accident." 

On the contrary, Lord Ellenborough says : " I have always 
held, and now hold, that a warranty of soundness is broken, it 
the animal at the time of sale has any infirmity upon him which 
renders him less fit for present service. It is not necessary that 
the disorder should be permanent or incurable. While a horse 
has a cough he is unsound, although it may either be temporary 
or may prove mortal. The horse in question having been lame at 
the time of sale, when he was warranted to be sound, his condi- 
tion subsequently is no defence to the action* The decision of 
Mr. Baron Parke, already referred to, confirms this doctrine. 

Neurotomy. — A question has arisen how far a horse that has 
undergone the operation of the division of the nerve of the leg (see 
p. 86), and has recovered from the lameness with which he was 
before affected, and stands his work well, may be considered to be. 
sound. Chief Justice Best held such a horse to be unsound, and 
in our opinion there cannot be a doubt about the matter. The 
operation of neurotomy does not remove the disease causing the 
lameness, but only the sensation of pain. A horse on whom this 
operation has been performed may be improved by it — may cease 
to be lame— may go well for many years ; but there is no cer 
tainty of this, and he is unsound, within our definition, unless na- 
ture gave the nerve for no useful purpose. 

Ossification of the lateral cartilages constitutes unsound- 
ness, as interfering with the natural expansion of the foot, 
and, in horses of quick work, almost universally producing 

I o vy"! prince 

Pumiced-foot. — When the union between the horny and sen- 
sible lamina?, or little plates of the foot (see p. 305), is weakened, 
and the coffin-bone is let down, and presses upon the sole, and the 
sole yields to this unnatural weight, and becomes rounded, and is 
brought in contact with the ground, and is bruised and injured, 
that°horse must be unsound, and unsound forever, because there 
are no means by which we can raise the. coffin-bone again into 
its place. 

auiDDiNG.— If the mastication of the food gives pam to the ani- 
mal, in consequence of soreness of the mouth or throat, he will 
drop it before it is perfectly chewed. This, as an indication of 
disease, constitutes unsoundness. Cluidding sometimes arises from 
irregularity in the teeth, which wound the cheek with their sharp 
edsres; or a protruding tooth renders it impossible for the horse 
to 'close his jaws so as^to chew his food thoroughly. Gluiddmg 
i« unsoundness for the time ; but the unsoundness will cease when 

* 4 Campbell, 251, Elton vs. Broqden. 



428 SOUNDNESS. 

the teeth are properly filed, or the soreness or other cause of thi? 
imperfect chewing removed. 

GIuittor is manifestly unsoundness. 

Ring-bone. — Although when the bony tumor is small, and on 
one side only, there is little or no lameness — and there are a few 
instances in which a horse with ring-bone has worked for many 
years without its return — yet from the action of the foot, and the 
stress upon the part, the inflammation and the formation of bone 
may acquire a tendency to spread so rapidly, that we must pro- 
nounce the slightest enlargement of the pasterns, or around the 
coronet, to be a cause of unsoundness. 

Sand-crack is manifestly unsoundness. It may, however, occur 
without the slightest warning, and no horse can be rejected on 
account of a sand-crack that has sprung after purchase. Its usual 
cause is too great brittleness of the crust of the hoof; but there is 
no infallible method of detecting this, or the degree in which it 
must exist in order to constitute unsoundness. When the horn 
round the bottom of the foot has chipped off so much that only a 
skilful smith can fasten the shoe without pricking the horse, or even 
when there is a tendency in the horn to chip and break in a much 
less degree than this, the horse is unsound, for the brittleness of 
the crust is a disease of the part, or it is such an altered structure 
of it as to interfere materially with the usefulness of the animal. 

Spavin. — Bone spavin, comprehending in its largest sense every 
bony tumor on the hock, is not necessarily unsoundness. If the 
tumor affects in the slightest degree the action of the horse, it is 
unsoundness ; — even if it does not, it is seldom safe to pronounce 
it otherwise than unsoundness. But it may possibly be (like splint 
in the fore-leg) so situated as to have no tendency to affect the ac- 
tion. A veterinary surgeon consulted on the purchase will not 
always reject a horse because of such a tumor. His evidence on 
a question of soundness will depend on the facts. The situation 
and history of the tumor may be such as to enable him to give a 
decisive opinion in a horse going sound, but not often. 

Bog or Blood Spavin is unsoundness, because, although it may 
not be productive of lameness at slow work, the rapid and power- 
ful action of the hock in quicker motion will produce permanent, 
yet perhaps not considerable lameness, which can scarcely evei 
be with certainty removed.* 

Splint. — It depends entirely on the situation of the bony tumor 
on the shank-bone, whether it is to be considered as unsoundness. 
If it is not in the neighborhood of any joint, so as to interfere with 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Blood-Spavin is certainly unsoundness, unless 
extremely slight, although, in the majority of cases, it does not caus« 
lameness. 



SOUNDNESS. 



429 



its action, and if it does not press upon any ligament or tendon, it 
may be no cause of unsoundness, although it is often very un- 
sightly. In many cases, it may not lessen the capability and value 
of the animal. This has been treated on at considerable length in 
page 256.* 

Stringhalt. — This singular and very unpleasant action of the 
hind-leg is decidedly an unsoundness. It is an irregular commu- 
nication of nervous energy to some muscle of the thigh, observable 
when the horse first comes from the stable, and gradually ceasing 
on exercise. It has usually been accompanied by a more than 
common degree of strength and endurance. It must, however, be 
traced to some morbid alteration of structure or function ; and 
it rarely or never fails to deteriorate and gradually wear out the 
animal. 

Thickening of the Back Sinews. — Sufficient attention is not 
always paid to the fineness of the legs of the horse. If the flexor 
tendons have been sprained, so as to produce considerable thick- 
ening of the cellular substance in which their sheaths are envel- 
oped, they will long afterwards, or perhaps always, be liable to 
sprain, from causes by which they would otherwise be scarcely 
affected. The continuance of any considerable thickness around 
the sheaths of the tendons indicates previous violent sprain. This 
very thickening will fetter the action of the tendons, and, after 
much quick work, will occasionally renew the inflammation and 
the lameness ; therefore, such a horse cannot be sound. It requires, 
however, a little discrimination to distinguish this from the gum- 
miness, or roundness of leg, peculiar to some breeds. There 
should be an evident difference between the injured leg and the 
other, f 

Thoroughpin, except it is of great size, is rarely productive of 
lameness, and therefore cannot be termed unsoundness ; but as 
it is the consequence of hard work, and now and then does produce 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — We do not think the situation of this tumor has 
as much to do with the existence of lameness as is generally imagined. The 
lameness is occasioned by the tension of the periosteum, or covering of the 
hone, which has not had time to accommodate itself to the bony swelling 
beneath it. All splints, therefore, which evince tenderness on being pressed, 
should be considered as unsoundness, and, indeed, all splints on horses un- 
der six years of age should be guarded against by a sufficient warranty, 
though no lameness or tenderness may exist. In older horses, this precau- 
tion is unnecessary. 

f Note by Mr. Spooner. — All enlargements of the sinews or ligaments, un- 
less evidently produced by blows, constitute unsoundness. It is an old but 
mistaken idea, that the enlargement of sprung sinews, as it is termed, exists 
in the cellular membrane. It is the substance of the sinews themselves that 
becomes thickened. 



430 SOUNDNESS 

lameness, the hock should be most carefully examined, and there 
should be a special warranty against it.* 

Thrush. — There are various cases on record of actions on ac- 
count of thrushes in horses and the decisions have been much at 
variance, or perfectly contradictory Thrush has not been always 
considered by legal men as unsoundness. We, however, decided- 
ly so consider it ; as being a disease interfering and likely to inter- 
fere with the usefulness of the horse. Thrush is inflammation of 
the lower surface of the inner or sensible frog — and the secretion 
or throwing out of pus — almost invariably accompanied by a 
slight degree of tenderness of the frog itself, or of the heel a little 
above it, and, if neglected, leading to diminution of the substance 
of the frog, and separation of the horn from parts beneath, and 
underrunning, and the production of fungus and canker, and, ul- 
timately, a diseased state of the foot, destructive of the present, 
and dangerous to the future usefulness of the horse. f 

Windgalls. — There are few horses perfectly free from wind- 
galls, but they do not interfere with the action of the fetlock, or 
cause lameness, except when they are numerous or large. They 
constitute unsoundness only when they cause lameness, or are so 
large and numerous as to render it likely that they will cause it. 

In the purchase of a horse the buyer usually receives, embod- 
ied in the receipt, what is termed a warranty. It should be 
thus expressed : — 

" Received of A. B. forty pounds for a gray mare, warranted only five 
years old, sound, free from vice, and quiet to ride or drive. 

"£40. " C. D." 

A receipt, including merely the word " warranted," extends on- 
ly to soundness, — " warranted sound" goes no farther ; the age, 
freedom from vice, and quietness to ride and drive, should be es 
pecially named. This warranty comprises every cause of unsound- 
ness that can be detected, or that lurks in the constitution at the 
time of sale, and to every vicious habit that the animal has 
hitherto shown. To establish a breach of warranty, and to be 
enabled to tender a return of the horse and recover the difference 
of price, the purchaser must prove that it was unsound or vicious- 
y disposed at the time of sale. In case of cough, the horse must 
nave been heard to cough immediately after the purchase, or as 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Thoroughpi7is. unless they are very slight, ought 
to be considered in the same light as Bog Spavin, which they resemble in 
their nature though not in situation. They indicate weakness of one of the 
most important points in the body, though lameness rarely attends it, 

f Note by Mr. Spooner. — We cannot consider thrush as invariably un- 
soundness, as it may often be cured. In bad cases, of long standing, we are 
justified in considering it as unsoundness. 



SOUNDNESS. 431 

he was led home, or as soon as he had entered the stable of the 
purchaser. Coughing, even on the following morning, will not be 
sufficient ; for it is possible that he might have caught cold by 
change of stabling. If he is lame, it must be proved tc arise 
from a cause that existed before the animal was in the purchaser's 
possession. No price will imply a warranty, or be equivalent to 
one ; there must be an express warranty. A fraud must be 
proved in the seller, in order that the buyer may be enabled to 
return the horse or maintain an action for the price. The war- 
ranty should be given at the time of sale. A warranty, or a pro- 
mise to warrant the horse given at any period antecedent to the 
sale, is invalid ; for horse-flesh is a very perishable commodity, 
and the constitution and usefulness of the animal may undergo 
a considerable change in the space of a few days. A warranty 
after the sale is invalid, for it is is given without any legal consi- 
deration. In order to complete the purchase, there must be a 
transfer of the animal, or a memorandum of agreement, or the 
payment of the earnest-money. The least sum will suffice for 
earnest. No verbal promise to buy or to sell is binding without one 
of these. The moment either of these is effected, the legal trans- 
fer of property or delivery is made, and whatever may happen to 
the horse, the seller retains, or is entitled to the money. If the 
purchaser exercises any act of ownership, by using the animal 
without leave of the vender, or by having any operation per- 
formed, or any medicine given to him, he makes him his own. 
The warranty of a servant is considered to be binding on the 
master.* 

If the horse should be afterwards discovered to have been un- 
sound at the time of warranty, the buyer may tender a return of 
it, and, if it be not taken back, may bring his action for the price ; 
but the seller is not bound to rescind the contract, unless he has 
agreed so to do. 

Although there is no legal compulsion to give immediate no- 
tice to the seller of the discovered unsoundness, it will be better 
for it to be done. The animal should then be tendered at the 
house or stable of the vender. If he refuses to receive him, the 
animal may be sent to a livery stable and sold ; and an action 
for the difference in price may be brought. The keep, however, 
can be recovered only for the time that necessarily intervened 
between the tender and the determination of the action. It is not 
legally neoessary to tender a return of the horse as soon as the 
unsoundness is discovered. The animal may be kept for a reaso- 
nable time afterwards, and even proper medical means used to re- 

* The weight of authority decides that the master is bound bv the act of 
the servant. Lord Kenyon, however, had some doubt on the sujject 



432 SOUNDNESS. 

• nove the unsoundness ; but courtesy, and indeed justice, wiil r* 
mire that the notice should be given as soon as possible. Al- 
though it is stated, on the authority of Lord Loughborough, that 
'' no length of time elapsed after the sale will alter the nature 
of a contract originally false," yet it seems to have been on^e 
thought it was necessary to the action to give notice of the un- 
soundness in a reasonable time. The cause of action is cer- 
tainly complete on breach of the warranty. 

It used to be supposed that the buyer had no right to have the 
horse medically treated, and that he would waive the warranty 
by doing so. The question, however, would be, has he injured 
or diminished the value of the horse by this treatment? It will 
generally be prudent for him to refrain from all medical treat- 
ment, because the means adopted, however skilfully employed, 
may have an unfortunate effect, or may be misrepresented by ig- 
norant or interested observers. 

The purchaser possibly may like the horse, notwithstanding his 
discovered defect, and he may retain, and bring his action for the 
depreciation in value on account of the unsoundness. Few, how- 
ever, will do this, because his retaining the horse will cause a 
suspicion that the defect was of no great consequence, and will 
give rise to much cavil about the quantum of damages, and after 
all, very slight damages will probably be obtained. "I take it 
to be clear law," says Lord Eldon, " that if a person purchases 
a horse that is warranted, and it afterwards turns out that the 
horse was unsound at the time of warranty, the buyer may, if he 
pleases, keep the horse, and bring an action on the warranty ; in 
which he will have a right to recover the difference between the 
value of a sound horse, and one with such defects as existed at 
the time of warranty ; or he may return the horse, and bring an 
action to recover the full money ; but in the latter case, the sel- 
ler has a right to expect that the horse shall be returned to him 
in the same state he was when sold, and not by any means di- 
minished in value ; for if a person keep a warranted article for 
any length of time after discovering its defects, and when he re- 
turns it, it is in a worse state than it would have been if returned 
immediately after such discovery, I think the party can have no 
defence to an action for the price of the article on the ground of 
non-compliance with the warranty, but must be left to his action 
on the warranty to recover the difference in the value of the ar- 
ticle warranted, and its value when sold.* 

Where there is no warranty, an action may be brought on the 

ground of fraud ; but this is very difficult to be maintained, and 

not often hazarded. It will be necessary to prove that the dealer 

knew the defect, and that the purchaser was imposed upon by his 

* Ourtis v. Hannay, 3 Esp. 83. 



SOUNDNESS. 



433 



false representation, or other fraudulent means. If the delect 
was evident to every eye, the purchaser has no remedy — he should 
have taken more care ; but if a warranty was given, that extends 
to all unsoundness, palpable or concealed. Although a person 
should ignorantly or carelessly buy a blind horse, warranted sound, 
he may°reject it — the warranty is his guard, and prevents him 
from so closely examining the horse as he otherwise would have 
done ; but if he buys a blind horse, thinking him to be sound, and 
without a warranty, he has no remedy. Every one ought to ex- 
ercise common circumspection and common sense. 

A man should have a more perfect knowledge of horses than 
falls to the lot of most, and a perfect knowledge of the vender too, 
who ventures to buy a horse witaoat a warranty. 

If a person buys a horse wairanted sound, and discovering no 
defect in him, and, relying on the warranty, re-sells him, and the 
unsoundness is discovered by the second purchaser, and the horse 
returned to the first purchaser, or an action commenced against 
him, he has his claim on the first seller, and may demand of him 
not only the price of the horse, or the difference in value, but 
every expense that may have been incurred. 

Absolute exchanges, of one horse for another, or a sum of money 
being paid in addition by one of the parties, stand on the same 
ground as simple sales. If there is a warranty on either side, and 
that is broken, an action may be maintained : if there be no war- 
ranty, deceit must be proved. 

The trial of horses on sale often leads to disputes. The law is 
perfectly clear, but the application of it, as in other matters con- 
nected with horse-flesh, attended with glorious uncertainty. The 
intended purchaser is only liable for damage done to the horse 
through his own misconduct. The seller may put what restriction 
he chooses on the trial, and takes the risks of all accidents in the 
fair use of the horse within such restrictions. 

If a horse from a dealer's stable is galloped far and fast, it is 
probable that he will soon show distress ; and if he is pushed far- 
ther, inflammation and death may ensue. The dealer rarely gets 
recompensed for this ; nor ought he, as he knows the unfitness of 
his horse, and may thank himself for permitting such a trial ; and 
if it should occur soon after the sale, he runs the risk of having 
the horse returned, or of an action for it? price. 

In this, too, he is not much to be pitied. The mischievous and 
fraudulent practice of dealers, especially in London, of giving 
their horses, by overfeeding, a false appearance of muscular sub- 
stance, leads to the ruin of many a valuable animal. It would 
be a useful lesson to have to contest in an action or two the ques- 
tion whether a horse overloaded with fat can be otherwise than 
in a state of disease, and consequently unsound. 
28 S 



<iJ4 SOUNDNESS. 

It is proper, however, to put a limit to what has been too fre- 
quently asserted from the bench, that a horse warranted sound 
must be taken as fit for immediate use, and capable of being im- 
mediately put to any fair work the owner chooses. A huutei 
honestly warranted sound is certainly warranted to be in imme 
diate condition to follow the hounds. The mysteries of condition, 
as has been shown in a former part of the work, are not suifi- 
ciently unravelled. 

In London, and in most great towns, there are repositories for 
the periodical sale of horses by auction. They are of great con- 
venience to the seller who can at once get rid of a horse with 
which he wishes to part, without waiting month after month be- 
fore he obtains a purchaser, and he is relieved from the nuisance 
or fear of having the animal returned on account of breach oi 
the warranty, because in these places only two days are allowed 
for the trial, and if the horse is not returned within that period, 
he cannot be afterwards returned. They are also convenient to 
the purchaser, who can thus in a large town soon find a horse 
that will suit him, and which, from this restriction as to returning 
the animal, he will obtain twenty or thirty per cent, below the 
dealers' prices. Although an auction may seem to offer a fail 
and open competition, there is no place at which it is more neces- 
sary for a person not much accustomed to horses to take with him 
an experienced friend, and, when there, to depend on his own 
judgment, or that of his friend, heedless of the observations or 
manoeuvres of the bystanders, the exaggerated commendation of 
some horses, and the thousand faults found with others. There 
are always numerous groups of low dealers, copers, and chaunters, 
whose business it is to delude and deceive. 

One of the regulations of the Bazaar in King Street was ex- 
ceedingly fair, both with regard to the previous owner and the 
purchaser, viz. — 

" When a horse, having been warranted sound, shall be returned 
within the prescribed period, on account of unsoundness, a certi- 
ficate from a veterinary surgeon, particularly describing the un- 
soundness, must accompany the horse so returned ; when, if it be 
agreed to by the veterinary surgeon of the establishment, the 
amount received for the horse shall be immediately paid back ; 
but if the veterinary surgeon of the establishment should not 
confirm the certificate, then, in order to avoid further dispute, one 
of the veterinary surgeons of the college shall be called in, and 
his decision shall be final, and the expense of such umpire shall 
be borne by the party in error." 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



A. LIST OF THE MEDICINES USED IN THE TREATMENT OF 
THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

He will rarely consult his own interest, who, not having had the 
advantage of a veterinary education, undertakes the treatment of 
any of the serious diseases of his horses. Many of the maladies 
of the horse nearly resemble each other. They are continually 
vaiying their character, and require, in their different stages, a 
very different treatment, and in the plainest case not only the 
characteristic symptoms of disease are obscure, but even the in- 
dications of returning health, or increasing danger, are often 
scarcely ascertainable, conseqently the sick horse, as well as the 
human being, needs the care of one whom study and experience 
have qualified for the task. A list of the drugs generally em- 
ployed, with a slight account of their history, adulterations, and 
medicinal effects, will be interesting to the horse-proprietor as 
well as to the veterinary surgeon ; and may occasionally be use- 
ful when professional aid cannot be obtained.* 

Frequent reference will be made to Professor Morton's most 
valuable Manual of Pharmacy. This work will be found to be 
a treasure to every veterinary surgeon. Mr. W. C. Spooner's 
Materia Medica, in his recent compendium of White's account 
of the horse, will occasionally be laid under contribution. 

Acacia Gummi, Gum Arabic. — Many varieties of gum arable 
are procured from Egypt, Arabia, and the East Indies. It is 
employed in the form of a mucilage, made by dissolving it in 
water, in the proportion of one part of the gum to three or 
four of water. Various insoluble powders may be thus suspended, 
or oils rendered miscible, or emulsions formed. Emulsions 
composed of gum arabic are supposed to be useful in urinary 
affections. 

Acidum Aceticum, Acetic Acid, Vinegar. — Vinegar is a very 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — We have little to add under this division of 
the work. The Pharmacopceia in the text was cautiously written, and is for 
the most oart correct 



436 MEDICINES. 

useful application for sprains and bruises. Equal parts of boiling 
water and cold vinegar will form a good fomentation. Extract 
of lead, or bay salt, may be added with some advantage. As an 
internal remedy, vinegar is rarely given, nor has it, except in 
large doses, any considerable medicinal power. The veterinarian 
and the horse-owner should manufacture their own vinegar. 
That which they buy frequently contains sulphuric acid and pun- 
gent spices, and irritates the inflamed part to which it is applied. 

Acidum Arseniosum, Arsenic Acid. — Were it not that some 
practitioners continue to use it as a tonic, in doses of from ten to 
twenty grains daily, and others employ it to core out old ulcers, 
we should not include it in our list, for we have little faith in it. 
There are better and safer tonics, and far better and safer caus- 
tics. 

Acidum Muriaticum, or Hydrochloric Acid : Spirit of 
Salt. — This acid is formed by distilling corrosive sublimate with 
antimony. The butter-like matter which is produced (whence 
the common name, Butyr of Antimony), has a strong affinity 
for water, which it attracts from the atmosphere, and thus be- 
comes converted into a fluid. The less water it is suffered to 
attract to itself the more powerful it remains, and therefore it 
should be kept in stoppered bottles. The proof of its goodness is 
its weight. It is decidedly the best liquid caustic we have. It 
is most manageable, and its effect can most readily be ascertained. 
As soon as it touches any muscular or living part, a change of 
color is perceived, and the effect of the caustic can be fairly 
judged of by the degree of change. For corns, canker, indispo- 
sition in the sole to secrete good horn, wounds in the foot not 
attended by healthy action, and for every case where the super- 
ficial application of a caustic is needed, this acid is unrivalled. 

Acidum Nitricum : Nitric Acid, Aquafortis. — This is a 
valuable external application. It is both a caustic and an anti- 
septic. It destroys fungous excrescences. A pledget of tar should 
be dipped in the acid, and then firmly pressed on the cankerous 
surface. Every part with which the acid has come into contact 
will be deadened and slough off, and healthy granulations will 
6pnng up. 

Acidum Hydrocianicum : Prussic Acid. — This, in a concen- 
trated Btate, is truly a deadly poison ; a few drops of it will kill 
a large animal. In a diluted form, it is a powerful sedative. In 
doses of six drops, largely diluted, it abates both pulmonary and 
gastric irritation. It may be worth trying in the form of injec- 
tions in cases of tetanus. It may also be given by the mouth 
in the same disease. Nothing : s more likely to tranquillize the 
general excitement of the neivous system. The author of this 
work was the firs' 1 person who applied the hydrocyanic acid for 



MEDICINES. 437 

-he purpose of allaying irritation of the skin in dogs. It seldom 
.ails of producing the desired effect, and it has had a similar 
good effect in subduing itchiness and mange in the horse. 

ACIDUM SlJLPHURICUM, SULPHURIC AciD, OlL OF VlTRIOL. — 

When mixed with tar in the proportion of an ounce to the 
pound, it is a good application for thrush and canker : a smaller 
quantity, mixed with olive oil, makes a good stimulating lini- 
ment. If too much sulphuric acid is added, either by mistake 
or wilfully, it inflames and corrodes the stomach and bowels. 
The proper antidotes in this case are magnesia, or the carbonate 
of soda or potash, with soft soap. The acid might possibly be 
neutralized by this combination. 

Actual Cautery. — See Caustics. 

Adeps, Hog's Lard, very properly forms the basis of most 
of our ointments. It is tasteless, inodorous, and free from every 
stimulating quality. That cannot be said of all the ingredients 
used in the composition of our unguents. 

Alcohol, Rectified Spirit. — This is necessarily used in 
many of our tinctures and other preparations, and is sometimes 
given to the horse in almost a pure state. Some horses that are 
compelled to travel far and quickly, show evident fatigue before 
they arrive at the end of their journey. A cordial or carmina- 
tive tincture, to the extent of three or four ounces, largely diluted, 
may occasionally be given, and they rally, and cheerfully pursue 
their journey to the end. The groom or the stableman gives 
the gin or whiskey of the country, in preference to any other 
stimulant. In cases of thorough fatigue, the Daffy's Elixir may be 
administered, and probably rendered more stimulant by the addi- 
tion of pepper. Mr. Bracy Clark recommends four ounces of the 
tincture of allspice in cases of gripes. On the other hand, some 
veterinary surgeons have preferred simple hot water, or the infu- 
sion of several of our medicinal herbs, as peppermint, rosemary, 
&c. We should be loth, except on extraordinary occasions, to 
advocate the use of any spirituous drink. 

Aloes. — There are two kinds used in horse practice, the Barba- 
does and the Cape. The Socotorine, preferred by the human sur- 
geon, are very uncertain in their effect on the horse, and are seldom 
to be met with pure. Of the Barbadoes and the Cape, the first 
are much to be preferred. 

The Barbadoes are black, with a shade of brown, of an unctu- 
ous feeling, with a stronger smell, Broken with difficulty, and the 
fracture dull. The Cape are darker colored, stronger smelling, 
very brittle, and the fracture perfectly glossy. Every veterinary 
surgeon who uses much aloes should buy them in the mass, and 
powder them at home, and then, by attending to this account of 
the difference of the two, he can scarcely be imposed upon. It 



438 MEDICINES. 

is, however, the tact, that these are mostly adulterated, by their 
being melted together. Aloes purchased in powder are too often 
sadly adulterated. 

The Cape aloes may be powdered at all times, and the Barba- 
does in frosty weather, when enough should be prepared, to be 
kept in closed bottles, for the year's consumption. They may 
also be powdered when they have been taken from the gourd, and 
exposed to a gentle heat for two or three hours before they are 
put into the mortar. In the proportion of fifteen ounces of the 
powder mixed with one ounce of powdered ginger, and beaten up 
with eight ounces of palm oil, and afterwards divided into the 
proper doses, it will form a purging mass more effectual, and 
much less likely to gripe, than any that can be procured by melt- 
ing the drug. If the physic is given in the shape of a ball, it 
more readily dissolves in the stomach, and more certainly and 
safely acts on the bowels when mingled with some oily matter, 
like that just recommended, than when combined with syrup or 
honey, which are apt to ferment, and be themselves the cause of 
gripes. It is also worse than useless to add any diuretic to the 
mass, as soap or carbonate of soda. The action of these on one 
set of organs will weaken that of the aloes on another. A physic 
mass should never be kept more than two or three months, for, 
after that time, it rapidly loses its purgative property. 

Directions for physicking will be found at page 224. We 
will only add that, as a promoter of condition, the dose should 
always be mild. A few fluid stools will be sufficient for every 
good purpose. Violent disease will alone justify violent purging. 

The Barbadoes aloes have a greater purgative power than the 
Cape exclusive of griping less and being safer. In addition to 
this, the action of the bowels is kept up longer by the Barbadoes 
aloes than by the Cape. If the horse is well mashed, and care- 
fully exercised, and will drink plenty of warm water, the Cape 
may be ventured on, or at least mixed with equal qualities of the 
Barbadoes ; but if there is any neglect of preparation for physic, 
or during the usual operation of the physic, the Cape are not 
always to be depended upon. The combination of alkaline com- 
pounds with aloes alters the results of the medicine. The action 
is quickened, but their purgative properties are impaired, and 
they cease to operate specifically on the larger intestines. Such 
is the opinion of Professor Morton, and undoubtedly the latter 
would be an advantage gained. The activity of the aloes may 
be occasionally increased by a few drops of the croton oil. Mashes 
are useful helps when physic is administered. 

Some persons are fond of what are called half-doses of physic. 
Three or four drachms are given on one day, and three or four 
on the following : and perhaps, if the medicine has not operated, 



MEDICINES. 439 

as in this divided state it will not always, two or three additional 
drachms are given on the third day. The consequence is, that 
the bowels having been rendered irritable by the former doses. 
the horse is over-purged, and inflammation and death occasion- 
ally ensue. In physicking a horse, whatever is to be done should 
be done at once. Whatever quantity is intended to be giver^ 
should be given in one dose. 

The system of giving small doses of aloes as alteratives is no 
good. These repeated minute doses lodging in some of the folds 
of the intestines, and at length uniting, often produce more effect 
than is desirable. It is never safe to ride a horse far or fast, with 
even a small dose of aloes within him. 

Most of all objectionable is the custom of giving small doses 
of aloes as a nauseant, in inflammation of the lungs. There is 
so much sympathy between the contents of the chest and the 
belly in the horse, and inflammation of one part is so likely to 
be transferred to another, that it is treading on very dangerous 
ground, when, with much inflammation of the lungs, that is 
given which will stimulate and may inflame the intestines. 

Aloes are most commonly, because most easily, administered in 
the form of ball, but in a state of solution their effect is more 
speedy, effectual and safe.* 

Aloes are useful in the form of tincture. Eight ounces of 
powdered aloes, and one ounce of powdered myrrh, may be put 
into two quarts of alcohol, diluted with an equal quantity of 
water. The mixture should be daily well shaken for a fortnight, 
and then suffered to stand, in order that the undissolved portion 
may fall to the bottom. This will constitute a very excellent 
application for wounds, whether recent or of long-standing and 
indisposed to heal. It is not only a gentle stimulant, but it forms 
a thin crust over the wound, and shields it from the action of the 
air. 

The principal adulteration of aloes is by means of resin, and 
the alteration of color is concealed by the addition of charcoal or 
lamp-black. This adulteration is easily enough detected by dis- 
solving the aloes in hot water. All aloes contain some resinous 
matter, which the water will not dissolve and which has very 
slight purgative effect. The excess of this resin at the bottom 
of the solution will mark the degree of adulteration. 

Alteratives, — are a class of medicines the nature and effect 
of which are often much misunderstood, and liable to considerable 
abuse. It is a very convenient name in order to excuse that pro- 
pensity to dose the horse with medicines, which is the disgrace 
of the groom, and the bane of the stable. 

* See note by Mr. Spooner, on page 225. 



44 d MEDICINES. 

By alteratives we understand those drugs which effect ?omc 
slow change in the diseased action of certain parts without inter- 
fering with the food or work ; but by common consent the term 
seems to be confined to medicines for the diseases of the circula- 
tion, or of the digestive organs, or of the skin. If a horse is heavy 
and incapable of work from too good keep, or if he is off his food 
from some temporary indigestion — -or if he has mange or grease, 
or cracked heels, or swelled legs, a few alteratives are prescribed, 
and the complaint is expected to be gradually and imperceptibly 
removed. For all skin affections there is no better alterative 
than that so often recommended in this treatise, consisting of 
black antimony, nitre, and sulphur. If there is any tendency to 
grease, some resin may be added to each ball. If the complaint is ac- 
companied by weakness, a little gentian and ginger may be farther 
added, but we enter our protest against the ignorant use of mer 
eury in any form, or any of the mineral acids, or mineral tonics, 
or heating spices, as alteratives. We indeed should be pleased 
if we could banish the term alterative from common usage. The 
mode of proceeding which reason and science would dictate is to 
ascertain the nature and the degree of the disease, and then the 
medicine which is calculated to restore the healthy action of the 
part, or of the frame generally. 

Alum, — is occasionally used internally in cases of over-purging 
in the form of alum-whey, two drachms of the powder being 
added to a pint of hot milk ; but there are much better astrin- 
gents, although this may sometimes succeed when others fail. If 
alum is added to a vegetable astringent, as oak-bark, the power 
of both is diminished. Its principal use is external. A solution 
of two drachms to a pint of water forms alone, or with the addi- 
tion of a small quantity of white vitriol, a very useful wash for 
cracked heels, and for grease generally ; and also for those forms 
of swelled legs attended with exudation of moisture through the 
skin. Home add the Goulard lotion, forgetting; the chemical de 
composition that takes place ; the result of which is, that the al 
umiue, possessing little astringency, is detached, and two salt? 
with no astringency at all, the sulphate of lead and the sulphate 
of potash, are formed. 

The Burnt Alum is inferior to the common alum for the pur- 
poses mentioned, and we have better stimulants, or caustics, to 
apply to wounds. 

Anise Seed, — see Anisi Semina. 

Ammonia, Hartshorn, — is, to the annoyance of the horse, ant) 
the injury of his eyes and his lungs, plentifully extricated from 
the putrefying dung and urine of the stable ; but, when combined 
with water in the common form of hartshorn, it is seldom used in 
veterinary practice It. lias been given, and with decided benefit 



MEDICINES. 441 

and when other things have failed, in flatulent colic ; and is best 
administered in the form of the aromatic spirit of ammonia, and 
m doses of one or two ounces, in warm water. 

Chloride of Ammonia, — or sal ammoniac, is scarcely deserving 
of a place in our list. It is not now used internally ; and as an 
astringent embrocation, it must yield to several that are more ef- 
fectual, and less likely to blemish. 

Anisi Semina, Anise Seed. — This seed is here mentioned prin- 
cipally as a record of old times, when it was one of the sheet- 
ancliors of the farrier. It is not yet quite discarded from his shop 
as a stimulant, a carminative, and a cordial. 

Anodynes. — Of these there is but one in horse" practice : Opium 
is the only drug that will lull pain. It may be given as an ano- 
dyne, but it will also be an astringent in doses of one, two, 01 
three drachms. 

Antimony. — There are several valuable preparations of this 
metal. 

The Black Sesqui-Sulphuret of Antimony, a compound of 
sulphur and antimony, is a good alterative. It is given with 
more sulphur and with nitre, in varying doses, according to the 
disease, and the slow or rapid effect intended to be produced. It 
should never be bought in powder whatever trouble there may be 
in pulverizing it, for it is often grossly adulterated with lead, 
manganese, forge-dust, and arsenic. The adulteration may be 
detected by placing a little of the powder on a red-hot iron plate. 
The pure sulphuret will evaporate without the slightest res- 
idue — so will the arsenic : but there will be an evident smell of 
garlic. A portion of the lead and the manganese will be left 
behind. 

Antimonii Potassio Tartras, Emetic Tartar. — The tartrate 
of potash and antimony, or a combination of super-tartrate of 
potash and oxide of antimony, is a very useful nauseant, and has 
considerable effect on the skin. It is particularly valuable in in- 
flammation of the lungs, and in every catarrhal affection. It is 
given in doses of from one drachm to a drachm and a half, and 
combined with nitre and digitalis. It is also beneficial in the 
expulsion of worms. It should be given in doses of two drachms, 
and with some mechanical vermifuge, as tin filings, or grcund 
glass, and administered on an empty stomach, and for several 
successive days. Although it may sometimes fail to expel the 
worms, it will materially improve the condition of the horse, and 
produce sleekness of the coat. To a slight degree the emetic tar- 
tar is decomposed by the action of light, and should be kept in a 
jar, or green bottle. It is sometimes adulterated with arsenic, 
which is detected by the garlic smell when it is placed on hot 
iron, and also by its not giving a beautiful gold-colored precipitate 



442 MEDICINES. 

when suiphuret of ammonia is added to a solution of it. It has 
also been externally applied in chest affections, in combination 
with lard, and in quantities of from one drachm to two drachms 
of the antimony, to an ounce of the lard ; but, except in extreme 
oases, recourse should not be had to it, on account of the exten- 
sive sloughing which it sometimes produces. 

Aqua Fortis, — see Acidum Nitricum. 

Arabic Gum, — see Acacia Gummi. 

Pulvis Antimonh Compositus, the Compound Powder of An- 
timony, James' Powder. — It is employed as a sudorific in fever, 
either alone or in combination with mercurials. The dose is from 
one to two drachms. The late Mr. Bloxam used to trust to it 
alone in the treatment of Epidemic Catarrh in the horse. It is, 
however, decidedly inferior to Emetic Tartar. It is often adul- 
terated with chalk and burnt bones, and other white powders, 
and that to so shameful a degree, that little dependence can be 
placed on the antimonial powder usually sold by druggists. The 
muriatic or sulphuric acids will detect most of these adultera 
tions. 

Anti-spasmodics. — Of these our list is scanty, for the horse is 
subject only to a few spasmodic diseases, and there are fewer 
medicines which have an anti-spasmodic effect. Opium stands 
first for its general power, and that exerted particularly in locked- 
jaw. Oil of turpentine is almost a specific for spasm of the 
bowels. Camphor, assafbetida, and various other medicines, used 
on the human subject, have a very doubtful effect on the horse, 
or may be considered as almost inert. 

Argentum, Silver, Lunar Caustic. — One combination only of 
this metal is used, and that as a manageable and excellent caus- 
tic, viz., the Lunar Caustic. It is far preferable to the hot iron, 
or to any acid, for the destruction of the part if a horse should 
have been bitten by a rabid dog ; and it stands next to the butyr 
of antimony for the removal of fungus generally. It has not yet 
been administered internally to the horse. 

Arsenic. — This drug used to-be employed as a tonic, in order 
to core out old ulcers ; but it is now seldom employed, for there 
are better and safer tonics, and far better and safer caustics. 

Balls. — The usual and the most convenient mode of adminis- 
tering veterinary medicines is in the form of balls, compounded 
with oil, and not with honey or syrup, on account of their longer 
keeping soft and more easily dissolving in the stomach. Balls 
should never weigh more than an ounce and a half, otherwise 
they will be so large as not to pass without difficulty down the 
gullet. They should not be more than an inch in diameter and 
three inches in length. The mode of delivering balls is not diffi- 
cult to acquire ; but the balling-iron, while it often wounds and 



MEDICINES 443 

permanently injures the bars, occasions the horse to struggle more 
than he otherwise would against the administration of the medi- 
cine. The horse should be backed in the stall ; — the tongue 
should be drawn gently out with the left hand on the off side of 
the mouth, and there fixed, not by continuing to pull at it, but 
by pressing the fingers against the side of the lower jaw. The 
ball, being now taken between the tips of the fingers of the right 
hand, is passed rapidly up the mouth, as near to the palate as 
possible, until it reaches the root of the tongue. It is then deliv- 
ered with a slight jerk, and the hand being immediately with- 
drawn and the tongue liberated, the ball is forced through the 
pharynx into the oesophagus. Its passage should be watched 
down the left side of the throat ; and if the passage of it is not 
seen going down, a slight tap or blow under the chin will gen- 
erally cause the horse to swallow it, or a few gulps of water will 
convey it into the stomach. Very few balls should be kept ready 
made, for they become so hard as to be incapable of passing down 
the gullet, or dissolving in the stomach, and the life of the horse 
may be endangered or lost. This is peculiarly liable to be the 
case if the ball is too large, or wrapped in thick paper. 
Balsam of Capivi, — see Copaiba. 

Bark, Peruvian. — A concentrated preparation of this is entitled 
the Sulphate of Quinine. The simple bark is now seldom used 
If it has any good effect, it is in diabetes. The quinine, however, 
is strongly recommended by Professor Morton as singularly effica- 
cious in the prostration of strength which is often the consepuence 
of influenza. 

Basilicon Ointment, — is a valuable digestive ointment, com- 
posed of resin, bees- wax, and olive-oil. If it is needed as a sim- 
ulant, a little turpentine and verdigris may be added. 

Belladonna Extractum, Extract of Deadly Nightshade. — 
The inspissated juice is principally used as a narcotic and seda- 
tive, and indicated where there is undue action of the nervous 
and vascular systems, as in tetanus, carditis, and nervous affec- 
tions generally. Externally, it is beneficially applied to tne 
eye. 

Blisters, — are applications to the skin which separate the cu- 
ticle in the form of vesicles containing a serous fluid. They ex- 
cite increased action in the vessels of the skin, by means of which 
this fluid is thrown out. The part, or neighboring parts, are some- 
what relieved by the discharge, but more by the inflammation 
and pain that are produced, and lessen that previously existing in 
some contiguous part. On this principle we account for the de- 
cided relief often obtained by blisters in inflammation of the lungs, 
and their efficacy in abating deeply-seated disease, as that of the 
tendons, ligaments, or joints ; and also the necessity of previously 



444 MEDICINES. 

removing, in th(;se latter cases, the superficial inflammation caused 
by them, in order that one of a different kind may be excited, and 
to which the deeply-seated inflammation of the part will be more 
likely to yield. The blisters used in horse-practice are composed 
of cantharid.es or the oil of turpentine, to which some have added 
a tincture of the croton-nut. 

The art of blistering consists in cutting, or rather shaving, the 
hair perfectly close ; then well rubbing in the ointment, for at 
least ten minutes ; and, afterwards, and what is of the greatest 
consequence of all, plastering a little more of the ointment lightly 
over the part and leaving it. As soon as the vesicles have per- 
fectly risen, which will be in twenty or twenty-four hours, the tor- 
ture of the animal may be somewhat relieved by the application 
of olive or neat's-foot oil, or any emollient ointment. 

When too extensive a blister has been employed, or, from the 
intensity of the original inflammation, the blister has not risen (for 
no two intense inflammations can exist in neighboring parts at the 
same time), strangury — great difficulty in passing urine, and even 
.suppression of it — has occurred. The careful washing off of the 
blister, and the administration of plenty of warm water, with 
opium, and bleeding if the symptoms run high, will generally re- 
move this unpleasant effect. 

For some important remarks on the composition, application, 
and management of the blister, see page 362. 

Bole Armenian, — is an argillaceous earth combined with iron, 
aad is supposed to possess some astringent property. The pro- 
priety of its being administered inwardly is doubtful ; for it may 
remain in the intestinal canal, and become the nucleus of a cal- 
culus. On account of its supposed astringency, it is employed ex- 
ternally to give consistence to ointments for grease. Even the 
bole Armenian has not escaped the process of adulteration, and is 
largely mixed with inferior earths. The fraud may be suspected, 
but not satisfactorily detected, by the color of the powder, which 
should be a bright red. 

Calamine Powder. — See Zinc. 

Calomel. — See Hydrargyrum. 

Camphor, — is the produce of one of the laurus species, a native 
of Japan, and too often imitated by passing a stream of chlorine 
through oil of turpentine. According to Professor Morton, it is a 
narcotic. It diminishes the frequency of the pulse, and softens its 
tone. When long exhibited, it acts on the kidneys. Externally 
applied, it is said to be a discntient and an anodyne for chronic 
sprains, bruises, and tumors. The camphor ball is a favorite one 
with the groom, and occasionally administered by the veterinary 
surgeon. Mr. W. C. Spooner uses it, mixed with opium, in cases 
of locked-jaw, and in doses of from one to two drachms. In the 



MEDICINES. 445 

form of camphorated oil, it promotes the absorption of fluids 
thrown out beneath the skin, the removal of old callus, and the 
suppling of joints stiff from labor. Combined with oil of turpen- 
tine it is more effective, but in this combination it occasionally 
blemishes.* 

Cantharides, Spanish Flies, — are the basis of the most ap- 
proved and useful veterinary blisters. The cantharis is a fly, 
the native of Italy and the south of France. It is destroyed 
by sulphur, dried and powdered, and mixed with palm-oil and 
resin. Its action is intense, and yet superficial ; it plenti- 
fully raises the cuticle, yet rarely injures the true skin, and 
therefore seldom blemishes. The application of other acrid 
substances is occasionally followed by deeply-seated ulcerations ; 
but a blister composed of the Spanish fly alone, while it does 
its duty, leaves, after a few weeks have passed, scarcely a trace 
behind. 

An infusion of two ounces of the flies in a pint of oil of turpen- 
tine, for several days, is occasionally used as a liquid blister ; and, 
when sufficiently lowered with common oil, it is called a siveat- 
iii.g oil, for it maintains a certain degree of irritation and inflamma- 
tion on the skin, yet not sufficient to blister, and thus gradually 
abates or removes some old or deep inflammation, or cause of 
lameness. 

Of late cantharides have come into more general use. They 
were recommended by Mr. Vines, in combination with vegetable 
bitters, as a stimulating tonic, in cases of debility. He next ap- 
plied them for the cure of glanders, and with considerable suc- 
cess. The veterinary public is much indebted to Mr. Vines for 
the steadiness with which he has followed up the employment of 
the Spanish fly. The dose is from five to eight grains given daily, 
but withheld for a day or two when diuresis supervenes. 

Capsici Bacc.e, Capsicum Berries. Guinea Pepper. — They 
are valuable as stimulants affecting the system generally, yet not 
(oo much accelerating the pulse. Their beneficial effect in cases 
oi cold has seldom been properly estimated. The dose is from a 
scruple to half a drachm. 

Caraway Seeds. — These and ginger, alone or combined, are 
the best stimulants used in horse-practice. 

Ca?«.b?nate of Iron. — See under Ferrum. 

Cascarilla Bark. — Tonic as well as aromatic. It must not, 
however, be used with the sulphates of iron or zinc. 

Castor Oil, Olium Ricini. — An expensive medicine. It must 
be given in large doses, and even then it is uncertain in its effects. 

* Xote by Mr. Spooner. — Camphor is a sedative and slight narcotic, and 
as such, may be exhibited in fever balls with advantage. It has also been 
found useful, combined with opium, in relieving the spasms of loeked-jaw. 



446 MEDICINES. 

Mild as is its operation in most animals, it sometimes gripes, and 
even endangers the horse. 

Catechu, Japan Earth, — yet, no earth, but extracted from 
the wood of one of the acacia trees, is a very useful astringent. 
It is given in over purging, in doses of one or two drachms, 
with opium, as a yet more powerful astringent ; chalk, to neu- 
tralize any acid in the stomach or bowels ; and powdered gum, 
to sheath the over-irritated mucous coat of the intestines. It is 
not often adulterated in our country, but grossly so abroad — fine 
sand and aluminous earth being mixed with the extract. It is 
seldom given with any alkali, yet the prescription just recom- 
mended contains chalk : but, although the chalk, as an alkan. 
may weaken the astringency of the catechu, it probably neu- 
tralizes some acid in the stomach or bowels, that would have 
diminished the power of the catechu to a greater degree. It 
must not be given in conjunction with any metallic salt, for the 
tannin or gallic acid, on which its power chiefly or entirely 
depends, has an affinity for all metals, and will unite with them, 
and form a gallate of them, possessing little astringent energy 
Common ink is the union of this tannin principle with iron. 

A tincture of catechu is sometimes made by macerating three 
ounces of the powder in a quart of spirit for a fortnight. It is 
an excellent application for wounds ; and, with the aloes, con- 
stitutes all that we want of a balsamic nature for the purpose 
of hastening the healing process of wounds. 

Caustics, — are substances that burn or destroy the parts to 
which they are applied. First among them stands the red-hot 
iron, or actual cautery, and then pure alkalies, potash, and soda 
and the sulphuric and nitrous acids. Milder caustics are found 
in the sulphate of copper, red precipitate, burnt alum, and ver- 
digris. They are principally used to destroy fungous excrescences 
or stimulate indolent tumors, or remove portions of cellular sub- 
stance, or muscle infected by any poison. 

Chalk, — see Creta Preparata. 

Chamomile, Anthemis. — The powder of the flower is a use- 
ful vegetable tonic, and the mildest in our list. It is given in 
doses of one or two drachms, and is exhibited in the early stage 
of convalescence in order to ascertain whether the febrile stage 
of the disease is passed, and to prepare the way for a more pow- 
erful tonic, the gentian. If no acceleration of pulse, or heat of 
mouth, or indication of return of fever, accompanies the cautious 
use of chamomile, the gentian, with carbonate of iron, may be 
safely ventured upon ; but if the gentian had been first used, 
and a little too soon, there might have been considerable, and 
perhaps dangerous return of fever. 

Charcoal,- -is occasionally used as an antiseptic, being mad* 



MEDICINES. 



.447 



into a poultice witn linseed meal, and applied to foul and offen- 
sive ulcers, and to cracked heels. It removes the foetid and un 
wholesome smell that occasionally proceeds from them. 

Charges, — are thick, adhesive plasters spread over parts thai 
have been strained or weakened, and, being applied to the skin, 
adhere for a considerable time. The following mixture makes 
good charge — Burgundy or common pitch, five ounces ; tar, six 
ounces ; yellow wax, one ounce, melted together, and when 
they are becoming cool, half a drachm of powdered cantharidea 
well stirred in. This must be partially melted afresh when 
applied, and spread on the part with a large spatula, as hot as 
can be done without giving the animal too much pain. Flocks 
of tow should be scattered over it while it is warm, and thus a 
thick and adhesive covering will be formed that cannot be 
separated from the skin for many months. It is used for old 
sprains of the loins, and also strains of the back sinews. The 
charge acts in three ways — by the slight stimulant power which 
it possesses it gradually removes all deep-seated inflammation — 
by its stimulus and its pressure it promotes the absorption of any 
callus or thickening beneath ; and, acting as a constant bandage 
it gives tone and strength to the part. 
Chloride of Lime, — see under Lime. 
Chloroform, — see note.* 

Clysters. — These are useful and too often neglected means 
of hastening the evacuation of the bowels when the disease 
requires their speedy action. The old ox-bladder and wooden 
pipe may still be employed, and a considerable quantity of fluid 
thrown into the intestine ; but the patent stomach and clyster 
pump of Mr. Reid is far preferable, as enabling the practitioner 
to inject a greater quantity of fluid, and in a less time. 

Two ounces of soft or yellow soap, dissolved in a gallon of 
warm water, will form a useful aperient clyster. It will detach 
or dissolve many irritating substances that may have adhered to 
the mucous coat of the bowels. For a more active aperient, 
half a pound of Epsom salts, or even of common salt, may be 
dissolved in the same quantity of water. A stronger injection, 
but not to be used if much purgative medicine has been pre- 
viously given, may be composed of an ounce of Barbadoes aloes 
dissolved in two or three quarts of warm water. If nothing 
else can be procured, warm water may be employed ; it will 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Chloroform, or the perchloride of formyle, has 
been found to be a better anaesthetic agent than sulphuric ether, and has 
also been used internally for spasms of the bowels. The objection to its 
use as a destroyer of sensation is the quantity required to be taken, 
amounting, indeed, to several ounces. The writer has employed it success 
fully in many operations 



44b . MEDICINES. 

act as a fomentation to the inflamed and irritable surface of the 
bowels, and will have no inconsiderable effect even as an ape- 
rient. 

In cases of over-purging or inflammation of the bowels, the 
injection must be of a soothing nature. It may consist of gruel 
alone, or, if the purging is considerable, and difficult to stop, the 
ruel must be thicker, and four ounces of prepared or powdered 
chalk well mixed. with or suspended in it, with two scruples or 
a drachm of powdered opium. 

No oil should enter into the composition of a clyster, except 
that linseed oil may be used for the expulsion of the ascarides, 
or needle-worms. 

In epidemic catarrh, when the horse sometimes obstinately 
refuses to eat or to drink, his strength may be supported by 
nourishing clysters ; but they should consist of thick gruel only, 
and not more than a quart should be administered at once. A 
greater quantity would be ejected soon after the pipe is with- 
drawn. Strong broths, and more particularly ale and wine, are 
dangerous ingredients. They may rapidly aggravate the fever, 
and should never be administered, except under the superin- 
tendence, or by the direction, of a veterinary surgeon. 

The principal art of administering a clyster consists in not 
frightening the horse. The pipe, well oiled, should be very 
gently introduced, and the fluid not too hastily thrown into the 
intestine ; its heat being as nearly as possible that of the intes- 
tine, or about 96° of Fahrenheit's thermometer. 

Collyria, Lotions for the Eye. — These have been suffi- 
ciently described when inflammation of the eyes was treated of. 

Copaiba, Balsam of Capivi. — The resin is obtained from a 
tree growing in South America and the West India Islands. It 
is expensive, much adulterated, and seldom used ; for its proper- 
ties differ but little from those of common diuretics. 

Copper. — There are two combinations of this metal used in 
veterinary practice : the verdigris or subacetate, and the blue 
vitriol or sulphate. 

Verdigris, or Subacetate of Copper is the common rust of 
that metal produced by subjecting it to the action of acetic acid. 
It. is given internally by some practitioners, in doses of two 01 
three drachms daily, as a tonic, and particularly for the cure of 
farcy. It is, however, an uncertain and dangerous medicine. 
The corrosive sublimate, with vegetable tonics, as recommended 
at page 117, is preferable. Verdigris is, however, usefully ap- 
plied externally as a mild caustic. Either alone, in the form 
of tine powder, or mixed with an equal quantity of the sugar 
(superacetate) of lead, it eats down proud flesh, or stimulates old 
ulcers to healthy action. When boiled with honey and vinegar, 



MEDICINES. 449 

it constitutes the farriers Egyptiacum, certainly of benefit in 
cankered or ulcerated mouth, and no bad application for thrushes ; 
but yielding, as it regards both, to better remedies, that are 
mentioned under the proper heads. Some practitioners use 
alum and oil of vitriol in making their Egyptiacum, forgetting 
the strange decomposition which is produced. 

Blue Vitriol or Sulphate of Copper is the union of sulphuric 
acid and copper. It is a favorite tonic with many practitioners, 
and has been vaunted as a specific for glanders ; while others, 
and we think properly, have no very good opinion of it in either 
respect. As a cure for glanders, its reputation has nearly passed 
away. As a tonic, when the horse is slowly recovering from se- 
vere illness, it is dangerous, and its internal use should be con- 
fined to cases of long-continued discharge from the nostril, when 
catarrh or fever has ceased. It may then be given with benefit 
in doses of from one to two drachms twice in the day, and always 
combined with gentian and ginger. It is principally valuable 
as pu external application, dissolved in water in the proportion 
of two drachms to a piut, and acting as a gentle stimulant. If 
an ounce is dissolved in the same quantity of water, it becomes a 
mild caustic. In the former proportion, it rouses old ulcers to a 
healthy action, and disposes even recent wounds to heal more 
quickly than they otherwise would do ; and in the latter it re- 
moves fungous granulations or proud flesh. The blue vitriol is 
sometimes reduced to powder and sprinkled upon the wound for 
this purpose : it is also a good application for canker in the foot. 

Copperas, — See under Ferrum. 

Cordials, — are useful or injurious according to the judgment 
with which they are given. When a horse comes home 
thoroughly exhausted, and refuses his food, a cordial may be bene- 
ficial. It may rouse the stomach and the system generally, and 
may prevent cold and fever ; but it is poison to the animal when 
administered after the cold is actually caught and fever begins to 
appear. More to be reprobated is the practice of giving frequent 
cordials, that by their stimulus on the stomach, (the skin sympa- 
thising so much with that viscus,) a fine coat may be produced. 
The artificial excitement of the cordial soon becomes as necessary 
to enable the horse to do even common work, as is the excite- 
ment of the dram to sustain the animal spirits of the drunkard. 

In order to recall the appetite of the horse slowly recovering 

from illness, a cordial may sometimes be allowed ; or to old horses 

tli at have been worked hard and used to these excitements when 

young ; or to draught horses, that have exhibited slight symptoms 

of stag gers when their labor has been unusually protracted and 

their stomachs left too long empty ; or mixed with diuretic med 

icine, to fine the legs of the over- worked and debilitated animal - t 
r 29 



450 MEDICINES. 

but in no other case should they obtain a place in the stable, or 
be used at the discretion of the carter or the groom. 

Corrosive Sublimate. — See under Hydrargyrum. 

Cream of Tartar. — See under Potash. 

Creasote, — has very lately been introduced into veterinary 
practice, and is much valued on account of its antiseptic proper- 
ties. It is obtained by the destructive distillation of various sub- 
tances, as pyroligneous acid, tar, wood, smoke, &c. Pure crea- 
sote is colorless and transparent ; its odor is that of smoked meat, 
and its taste is caustic and burning. It coagulates the albumen 
of the blood, and hence has been lately employed in stopping hasr- 
morrhages. It acts very powerfully on the general system, and 
quickly destroys small animals. Professor Morton gives a very 
interesting and faithful account of it. It is, according to him, 
both a stimulant and a tonic. In an undiluted state it acts as a 
caustic. When diluted it is a general excitant and an antisep- 
tic. In the form of a lotion, a liniment, or an ointment, it has 
been useful in farcy and glanders, also in foot-rot, canker, and 
thrush, — mange, carries excessive suppuration, and the oppression 
of fungous granulations. As a caustic it acts as a powerful stim- 
ulant, and is an antiseptic. 

Creta Preparata, — is principally used in combination with 
catechu and opium in cases of super-purgation. All adventitious 
matters are removed by washing, and the prepared or pulverized 
chalk remains in the form of an impalpable powder. It is usu- 
ally administered in doses of two or three ounces. It is externally 
applied over ulcers that discharge a thin and ichorous matter. 

Croton Seeds. — The croton-nut has not been long introduced 
into veterinary practice, although it has been used from time im- 
memorial by the inhabitants of India as a powerful purgative. 
An oil has been extracted from it, and used by the surgeon ; the 
meal is adopted by the veterinarian. It is given in doses from a 
scruple to half a drachm, and from its acrid nature, in the form 
of a ball, with an ounce of linseed meal. When it does operate 
the effect is generally observed in six or eight hours, the stools 
being profuse and watery, and the patient frequently griped. On 
account of its speedy operation, it may be given in locked-jaw 
and staggers : and also in dropsy of the chest or belly, from the 
watery and profuse stools which it produces ; but it is often un- 
certain in its operation, and its griping, and the debility which 
it occasions, are serious objections to it as common physic. 
When placed on the tongue of the horse in quantities varying 
from twenty to forty drops, it produces purging, but the mem- 
brane of the mouth frequently becomes violently inflamed. This 
likewise happens, but not to so great a degree, when it is given 
in the form of a drink, or in a mash. 



MEDICINES. 4M 

Deadly Nightshade, — extract of, see Belladonna Extr ac- 
tum. 

Demulcents, — are substances that have the power of dimin- 
ishing the effect of acrimonious or stimulating substances. The 
first, by some oily or mucilaginous substance, sheaths the sensible 
parts. The other dilutes the stimulus, and diminishes its power. 
It will rarely be difficult to determine which effect should be 
produced, and the means by which it is to be effected. 

Diaphoretics, — are medicines that increase the sensible and 
insensible perspiration of the animal. As it regards the horse, 
they are neither many nor powerful. Antimony in its various 
forms, and sulphur, have some effect in opening the pores of the 
skin, and exciting its vessels to action, and especially when assist- 
ed by warmth of stable or clothing, and therefore is useful in 
those diseases in which it is desirable that some portion of the 
blood should be diverted from the overloaded, and inflamed, 
and vital organs of the chest, to the skin or the extremities. 
The only diaphoretics, however, on which much confidence can 
be placed, and especially to produce condition, are warm clothing 
and good grooming. 

Digestives, — are applications to recent or old wounds, as mild 
stimulants, in order to produce a healthy appearance and action 
in them, and to cause them more speedily to heal. A weak so- 
lution of blue vitriol is an excellent digestive ; so is the tincture 
of aloes, and the tincture of myrrh. The best digestive oint- 
ment is one composed of three parts of calamine ointment (Tur- 
ner's cerate) and one of common turpentine. 

Digitalis — Fox-Glove. — The leaves of the common fox-glove, 
gathered about the flowering time, dried carefully in a dark 
place, and powdered, and kept in a close black bottle, form one ot 
the most valuable medicines in veterinary practice. It is a direct 
and powerful sedative, diminishing the frequency of the pulse, 
and the general irritability of the system, and acting also as a 
mild diuretic : it is therefore useful in every inflammatory and 
febrile complaint, and particularly in inflammation of the chest. 
It is usually given in combination with emetic tartar and nitre 
The average dose is one drachm of digitalis, one and a half of emet 
ic tartar, and three of nitre, repeated twice or thrice in a day. 

Digitalis seems to have an immediate effect on the' heart, less- 
ening the number of its pulsations ; but effecting this in a singular 
manner — not by causing the heart to beat more slowly, but produ- 
cing: certain intermissions or pauses in its action. When these 
become marked — when at every sixth or seventh beat, the pulsa- 
tions are suspended Avhiletwo or three can be slowly counted, this 
is precisely the effect that is intended to be produced, and, how- 
ever ill the horse may appear to be, or however alaiming this in- 



i52 MEDICINES. 

termittent pulse may seem to the standers-by, from that moment 
the animal will frequently begin to amend. The dose must then 
oe diminished one-half, and in a few days it may be omitted al- 
together : but the emetic tartar and the nitre should be continued 
during some days after the practitioner has deemed it prudent to 
try the effect of mild vegetable tonics. 

There is no danger in the intermittent pulse thus produced ; 
but there is much when the digitalis fails to produce any effect 
ou the circulation. The disease is then too powerful to be 
arrested by medicine. Digitalis requires watching ; but the only 
consequence to be apprehended from an over-dose is, that the pa- 
tient may be reduced a little too low, and his convalescence re- 
tarded for a day or two. 

In the form of infusion or tincture, digitalis is very useful in 
inflammation of the eyes. It is almost equal in its sedative in- 
fluence to opium, and it may with great advantage be alternated 
with it, when opium begins to lose its power. The infusion is 
made by pouring a quart of boiling water on an ounce of the 
powder. When it is become cold, a portion of the liquid may be 
introduced into the eye. One or two drops of the tincture may 
be introduced with good effect. This may be obtained by mace- 
rating three ounces of digitalis in a quart of spirit. 

The infusion has been serviceable in mange ; but there are 
better applications. 

Diuretics, — constitute a useful but much abused class of medi- 
cines. They stimulate the kidneys to secrete more than the 
usual quantity of urine, or to separate a greater than ordinary 
proportion of the watery parts of the blood. The deficiency of 
water in the blood thus occasioned, must be speedily supplied, or 
the healthy circulation cannot be carried on ; and it is generally 
supplied by the absorbents taking up the watery fluid in some 
part of the frame, and carrying it into the circulation. Hence 
the evident use of diuretics in dropsical affections, in swelled legs, 
and also in inflammation and fever, by lessening the quantity of 
the circulating fluid, and, consequently, that which is sent to the 
inflamed parts. 

All this is effected by the kidneys being stimulated to increased 
action ; but if this stimulus is too often or too violently applied, 
the energy of the kidney may be impaired, or inflammation may 
be produced. That inflammation may be of an acute character, 
and destroy the patient ; or, although not intense in its nature, 
it may by frequent repetition assume a chronic form, and more 
slowly, but as surely, do irreparable mischief. Hence the neces- 
sity of attention to that portion of the food which may have a 
diuretic power. Mow-burnt hay and foxy oats are the unsus- 
pected causes of many a disease in the horse, at first obscure, but 



MEDICINES. 453 

ultimately referable to injury or inflammation of the urinary or- 
gans. Hence, too, the impropriety of suffering medicines of a 
diuretic nature to be at the command of the ignorant carter or 
groom. In swelled legs, cracks, grease, or accumulation of fluid 
in any part, and in those superficial eruptions and inflammations 
which are said to be produced by humors floating in the blood, 
diuretics are evidently beneficial ; but they should be as mild as 
possible, and not oftener given or continued longer than the 
case requires. For some cautions as to the administration of diu- 
retics, and a list of the safest and best, the reader is referred to 
page 231 The expensive Castile soap, and camphor, so often 
resorted to, are not needed, for the common liquid turpentine is 
quite sufficient in all ordinary cases, and nitre and digitalis may 
be added if fever is suspected. 

Drinks. — Many practitioners and horse-proprietors have a 
great objection to the administration of medicines in the form of 
drinks. A drink is not so portable as a ball, it is more trouble- 
some to give, and a portion of it is usually wasted. If the drink 
contains any acid substance, it is apt to excoriate the mouth, or 
to irritate the throat, already sore from disease, or the unpleasant 
taste of the drug, may unnecessarily nauseate the horse. There 
are some medicines, however, which must be given in the ibrm 
of drink, as in colic ; and the time, perhaps, in not distant when 
purgatives will be thus administered, as more speedy, and safer in 
their operation. In cases of much debility and entire loss of ap- 
petite, all medicine should be given in solution, for the stomach 
may not have sufficient power to dissolve the paper in which th« 
ball is wrapped, or the substance of the ball.* 

An ox's horn, the larger end being cut slantingly, is the usual 
and best instrument for administering drinks. The noose of a 
halter is introduced into the mouth, and then, by means of a sta- 
ble-fork, the head is elevated by an assistant considerably higher 
than for the delivery of a ball. The surgeon stands on a pail or 
stable-basket on the off-side of the horse, and draws out the 
tongue with the left hand ; he then, with the right hand, intro- 
duces the horn gently into the mouth, and over the tongue, and 
by a dexterous turn of the horn empties the whole of the drink 
— not more than about six ounces — into the back part of the 
mouth. The horn is now quickly withdrawn, and the tongue 
loosened, and the greater portion of the fluid will be swallowed. 
A portion of it, however, will often be obstinately held in the 
mouth for a long time, and the head must be kept up until the 
whole is got rid of, which a quick, but not violent slap on the 
muzzle will generally compel the horse to do. The art of giving 

* See note on p. 225. 



454 MEDICINES. 

a drink consists in not putting too much into the horn at once ; 
introducing the horn far enough into the mouth, and quickly turn- 
ing and withdrawing it, without bruising or wounding the mouth, 
the tongue being loosened at the same moment. A bottle is a 
disgraceful and dangerous instrument to use, except it be a flat 
pint bottle, with a long and thick neck. 

Emetic Tae.tar. — See Antimonio Potassio Tartras. 

Epsom Salts. — See under Magnesia. 

Ergot of Rye. — See Secale Cornutum. 

Ethiops Mineral. — See under Hydrargyrum. 

Eye Lotions or Washes. — See Collyria. 

Ferrum, Iron. — Of this metal there are two preparations 
adopted by veterinarians. The rust, or Carbonate, is a mild 
and useful tonic, in doses of from two to four drachms. The Sul- 
phate (green vitriol or copperas) is more powerful. It should 
never be given in the early stages of recovery, and always with 
caution. The dose should be the same as that of the carbonate 
The sulphate has lately been recommended for the cure of that de- 
ceitful stage or form of glanders, in which there is nothing to char- 
acterize the disease but a very slight discharge from the nostrils. 
It is to be dissolved in the common drink of the horse. It is worth 
a trial, but too sanguine expectations must not be encouraged of 
the power of any drug over this intractable malady. The iron 
should be given in combination with gentian and ginger, but 
never with any alkali or nitre or soap, or catechu, or astringent 
vegetable. 

Fever. — For the nature and treatment of the fever, both pure 
and symptomatic, reference may be made to page 163. 

Forge Water, — used to be a favorite tonic with farriers, and 
also a lotion for canker and ulcers in the mouth. It owes its power, 
\i there be any, to the iron with which it is impregnated. 

Flax Seed. — See Linseed. 

Fomentations, — open the pores of the skin and promote per- 
spiration in the part, and so abate the local swelling, and relieve 
Dam and lessen inflammation. They are often used, and with 
more benefit when the inflammation is somewhat deeply seated, 
than when it is superficial. The effect depends upon the warmth 
of the water, and not on any herb that may have been boiled in 
it. They are best applied by means of flannel, frequently dipped 
in the hot water, or on which the water is poured, and the heat 
should be as great as the hand will bear. The benefit that might 
be derived from them is much impaired by the absurd method in 
which the fomentations are conducted. They are rarely contin- 
ued long enough, and when they are removed, the part is left wet 
and uncovered, and the coldness of evaporation succeeds to the 
heat of fomentation. The perspiration is thus suddenly checked , 



MEDICINES. 455 

the animal suffers considerable pain, and more harm is done by 
the extreme change of temperature than if the fomentation had 
not been attempted. 

Fox-Glove. — See Digitalis. 

Gentian, — stands at the head of the vegetable tonics, and is a 
stomachic as well as a tonic. It is equally useful in chronic de- 
bility, and in that which is consequent on severe and protracted ill- 
ness. It is generally united with chamomile, ginger, and, when 
the patient will bear it, carbonate of iron. Four drachms of gen- 
tian, two of chamomile, one of carbonate of iron, and one of ginger, 
will make an excellent tonic ball. An infusion of gentian is one 
of the best applications to putrid ulcers. 

Ginger, — is as valuable as a cordial, as gentian is as a tonic. 
It is the basis of the cordial ball, and it is indispensable in the 
tonic ball. Although it is difficult to powder, the veterinary prac- 
titioner should always purchase it in its solid form. If the root is 
large, heavy, and not worm-eaten, the black ginger is as good as 
the white, and considerably cheaper. The powder is adulterated 
with bean-meal and the sawdust of boxwood, and rendered warm 
and pungent by means of capsicum. 

Goulard's Extract. — See under Lead. 

Glauber's Salt. — See Sod.e Sulphur. 

Hartshorn. — See Ammonia. 

Healing Ointment. — See under Zinc. 

Hellebore, ivhite, — This is a drastic cathartic, and should be 
used with great caution. It is a powerful nauseant, and lowers 
both the force and frequency of the pulse, and is therefore given 
with good effect in various inflammations, and particularly that 
of the lungs. In the hospital of the veterinary surgeon, or in the 
stable of the gentleman who will superintend the giving and the 
operation of every medicine, it may be used with safety ; but with 
him who has to trust to others, and who does not see the horse 
more than once in twelve or twenty-four hours, it is a dangerous 
drug. If it is pushed a little too far, trembling and giddiness, and 
purging follow, and the horse is sometimes lost. The hanging of 
the head, and the frothing of the mouth, and, more particularly, 
the sinking of the pulse, will give warning of danger ; but the 
medical attendant may not have the opportunity of observing this, 
and when he does observe it, it may be too late. Its dose varies 
from a scruple to half a drachm. In doses of a drachm, it could not 
be given with safety ; and yet, such is the different effect of med- 
icines given in different doses, that in the quantity of an ounce it 
is said to be a diuretic and a tonic, and exhibited with advantage 
in chronic and obstinate grease. 

Hellebore, black, — This is used mostly as a local application, 
and as such it is a very powerful stimulant. Mr. E. Stanley, of 



456 MEDICINES. 

Banbury, frequently resorts to it in fistulous affections of the pol! 
and withers, and with considerable success. The abscess having 
formed, and exit being given to the imprisoned fluid, it is allowed 
to discharge itself, for two or three days, being dressed with an 
ordinary digestive ointment. When the pus assumes a laudable 
character, he introduces a few portions of the fibrous part of the 
root, passing them down to the bottom of the sinus, and letting 
them remain for a fortnight or more ; in the mean time, merely 
keeping the surrounding parts clean. On examination, it will be 
found that the healing process has commenced. 

Professor Morton adds, that an ointment, formed of the powder 
of either the black or white Hellebore, in the proportion of one 
part of the powder to eight of lard, will be found exceedingly ac- 
tive for the dressing of rowels and setons. 

Hemlock, — is used by some practitioners, instead of digitalis 
or hellebore, in affections of the chest, whether acute or chronic ; 
but it is inferior to both. The dose of the powder of the dried 
leaves is about a drachm. 

Hog's Lard. — See Adeps. 

Hydrargyrum, Mercury. — This metal is found native in 
many countries in the form of minute globules. It also occurs in 
masses, and in different varieties of crystallization. It has the 
singular property of being liquid in the natural temperature of 
our earth. It freezes, or assumes a singular species of crystalliza- 
tion, at 39 D below of Fah., and at 660 above of Fah. it 
boils, and rapidly evaporates. In its metallic state it appears to 
have no action on the animal system, but its compounds are 
mostly powerful excitants, and some of them are active caustics. 

The Common Mercurial Ointment, may be used for ring- 
worm, and that species of acarus which seems to be the source, or 
the precursor of, mange. The compound mercurial ointment is 
also useful in the destruction of the same insect. For most erup- 
tions connecting with or simulating mange, the author of this 
work has been accustomed to apply the following ointment with 
considerable success : — 

Sublimed sulphur 1 pound. 

Common turpentine . . . . . . . 4 oz. 

Mercurial ointment . 2 oz. 

Linseed oil . . 1 pint. 

The Mercurial Ointment is prepared by rubbing quicksilver 
with lard, in the proportion of one part of mercury to three of lard, 
until no globules appear. The practitioner should, if possible, pre- 
pare it himself, for he can seldom get it pure or of the propei 
strength from the druggist. It is employed with considerable ad 
vantage in preparing splints, spavins, or other bony or callous t'.i 



MEDICINES. 457 

mors, for blistering or firing. One or two drachms, according to 
the nature and size of the swelling, may be daily well rubbed in ; 
but it should be watched, for it sometimes salivates the horse very 
speedily. The tumors more readily disperse, at the application of 
a stronger stimulant, when they have been thus prepared. Mer- 
curial ointment in a weaker state is sometimes necessary for the 
cure of mallenders and sallenders ; and in very obstinate cases of 
mange, one-eighth part of mercurial ointment may be added to 
the ointment recommended at page 409. 

Calomel, the submuriate or protochloride of mercury, may be 
given, combined with aloes, in mange, surfeit, or worms. It is 
also useful in some cases of chronic cough, in farcy and in jaun- 
dice. Alone it has little purgative effect on the horse, but it as- 
sists the action of other aperients. It is given in doses from a 
scruple to a drachm. As soon as the gums become red, or the ani- 
mal begins to quid or drop his hay, it must be discontinued. Cal- 
omel has lately gained much repute in arresting the progress of 
epidemic catarrh in the horse. Mr. Percival has succeeded in 
this attempt to a very considerable extent. In fact, the influence 
of calomel in veterinary practice seems to have been far too much 
undervalued. 

Corrosive Sublimate, the oxymuriate or bichloride of mercury, 
combined with chlorine in a double proportion, is a useful tonic 
in farcy. It should be given in doses of ten grains daily, and 
gradually increased to a scruple, until the horse is purged, or the 
mouth becomes sore, when it may be omitted for a few days, and 
resumed. Some have recommended it as a diuretic, but it is too 
dangerous a medicine for this purpose. It is used externally in 
solution ; in substance in quittor, as a stimulant to ibul ulcers ; 
and in the proportion of five grains to an ounce of rectified spirit 
n obstinate mange, or to destroy vermin on the skin. It is, how- 
ever, too uncertain and too dangerous a medicine for the horse- 
proprietor to venture on its use. 

jEthiop's Mineral, the black sulphuret of mercury, is not 
often used in horse-practice, but it is a good alterative for obstin- 
ate surfeit or foulness of the skin, in doses of three drachms daily. 
Four drachms of cream of tartar may be advantageously added 
to each dose. 

Infusions. — The active matter of some vegetable substances is 
partly or entirely extracted by water. Dried vegetables yield 
their properties more readily and perfectly than when in their 
green state. Boiling water is poured on the substance to be in- 
fused, and which should have been previously pounded 01 pow- 
dered, and the vessel then covered and placed near a fire. In 
five or six hours the transparent part may be poured off, and is 
Q ady for use. In a few days, however, all infusions become thick, 

T 



458 MEDICINES. 

and lose their virtue, from the decomposition of the vegetable 
matter. 

The infusion of chamomile is advantageously used instead of 
water in compounding a mild tonic drench. The infusion of 
catechu is useful in astringent mixtures ; that of linseed is used 
instead of common water in catarrh and cold ; and the infusion 
of tobacco in some injections. 

Injections. — See Clysters. 

Iodine. — This substance has not been long introduced intr. 
veterinary practice. The first object which it seemed to accom- 
plish, was the reduction of the enlarged glands that frequently 
remain after catarrh, but it soon appeared that it could reduce 
almost every species of tumor. Much concerned in the first in- 
troduction of iodine into veterinary practice, the writer of the 
present work bears willing testimony to the zeal and success 
of others, in establishing the claims of this most valuable medi- 
cine. Professor Morton has devoted much time and labor to the 
different combinations of iodine, and they are described at length 
in the useful " Manual of Pharmacy." He gives the formulae of 
the composition of a liniment, an ointment, and a tincture of 
iodine, adapted to different species and stages of disease. He 
next describes the preparation of the iodide of potassium — the 
combination of iodine and potash — and then the improvement on 
that under the name of the diniodide of copper — the union of two 
parts of the iodide of potassium with four of the sulphate of 
copper. 

The action of this compound is an admirable tonic and a stim- 
ulant to the absorbent system, if combined with vegetable tonics, 
and, occasionally, small doses of cantharides. Professor Spooner 
arid Mr. Daws applied this compound, and with marked success, 
to the alleviation of farcy, nasal gleet, and glanders. It is plead- 
ing to witness these triumphs over disease, a little while ago so 
unexpected, and now so assured.* 

Iodine Ointment. — See under Iodine. 

Iron. — See Ferrum. 

James's Powder. — See Pulvis Antimonh Compositus. 

Japan Earth. — See Catechu. 

Juniper, Oil of. — This essential oil is retained because it has 
some diruetic property, as well as being a pleasant aromatic. It 
frequently enters into the composition of the diuretic ball. 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Iodine is employed in various forms. In that of 
iodide of potassium it is best administered internally, as a promoter of ab- 
sorption. Combined with the sulphate of ropper it forms a powerful and 
useful tonic; whilst in the form of iodide of mercury, and combined ^itli 
lard or palm oil, it becomes a powerful blister, and a useful promoter <>f 
absorption 



MEDICINES 469 

Lead, Plumbum. — The Carbo?iate of Lead had a deleterious 
effect on the biped and the quadruped in the neighborhood of 
lead works. They are subject to violent griping pains, and to 
constipation that can with great difficulty, or not at all, be over- 
come. Something of the same kind is occasionally observed in 
the cider counties, and the " painter's colic" is a circumstance 
of too frequent occurrence — the occasional dreadful pains, and the 
ravenous appetite extending to everything that comes in the way 
of the animal. Active purgatives followed by opium are the 
most effectual remedies. 

The Acetate of Lead, Plumbi Acetas. — Sugar of lead is sel- 
dom given externally to the horse, but is used as a collyrium ibr 
inflammation of the eyes. 

The Liquor Plumhi Subacetatis, or Goulard's Extract, or, 
as it used to be termed at the Veterinary College, the Aqua 
Vegeto, is a better eye wash, and advantageously used in external 
and superficial inflammation, and particularly the inflammation 
that remains after the application of a blister. 

Lime, — was formerly sprinkled over cankered feet and greasy 
heels, but there are less painful caustics, and more effectual ab- 
sorbents of moisture. Lime-water is rarely used, but the Chloride 
of Lime is exceedingly valuable. Diluted with twenty times its 
quantity of water, it helps to form the poultice applied to every 
part from which there is the slightest offensive discharge. The 
foetid smell of fistulous withers, poll-evil, canker, and ill-condi- 
tioned wounds, is immediately removed, and the ulcers are more 
disposed to heal. When mangy horses are dismissed as cured, a 
washing with the diluted chloride will remove any infection that 
may lurk about them, or which they may carry from the place 
in which they have been confined. One pint of the chloride 
mixed with three gallons of water, and brushed over the walls 
and manger and rack of the foulest stable, will completely re- 
move all infection. Professor Morton, very properly, says tha 
the common practice of merely white- washing the walls serve.* 
only to cover the infectious matter, and perhaps to preserve it for 
an indefinite length of time, so that when the lime scales off, dis 
ease may be again engendered by the exposed virus. The horse 
furniture worn by a glandered or mangy animal will be effectu- 
ally purified by the chloride. Internally administered, it seems 
to have little or no power. 

Liniments, — are oily applications of the consistence of a thick 
fluid, and designed either to soothe an inflamed surface, or, by 
gently stimulating the skin, to remove deeper-seated pain or in- 
flammation. As an emollient, one composed of half an ounce of 
extract of lead and four ounces of olive oil will be useful . For 
sprains, old swellings, or rheumatism, two ounces of hartshorn, 



460 MEDICINES. 

the same quantity of camphorated spirit, an ounce of oil of tur- 
pentine, and half an ounce of laudanum, may he mixed together ; 
or an ounce of camphor may be dissolved in four ounces of sweet 
oil, to which an ounce of oil of turpentine may be afterwards 
added. A little powdered cantharides, or tincture of cantharides, 
or mustard powder, will render either of these more powerful, or 
convert it into a liquid blister. 

Linseed. — An infusion of linseed is often used instead of water 
for the drink of the horse with sore-throat or catarrh, or disease 
of the urinary organs or of the bowels. A pail containing it 
should be slung in the stable or loose box. Thus gruel, however, 
is preferable ; it is as bland and soothing, and it is more nutri- 
tious. Linseed meal forms the best poultice for almost every pur- 
pose. 

Lunar Caustic. — See under Argentium. 

Magnesia. — The sulphate of magnesia, or Epsom Salts, should 
be used only in promoting the purgative effect of clysters, or, in 
repeated doses of six or eight ounces, gently to open the bowels 
at the commencement of fever. Some doubt, however, attends 
the latter practice ; for the dose must occasionally be thrice re- 
peated before it will act, and then, although safer than aloes, it 
may produce too much irritation in the intestinal canal, especially 
if the fever is the precursor of inflammation of the lungs. 

Mashes,— constitute a very important part of horse-provender, 
whether in sickness or health. A mash given occasionally to a 
horse that is otherwise fed on dry meat prevents him from be- 
coming dangerously costive. To the over- worked and tired horse, 
nothing is so refreshing as a warm mash with his usual allow- 
ance of corn in it. The art of getting a horse into apparent con- 
dition for sale, or giving him a round and plump appearance, con- 
sists principally in the frequent repetition of mashes, and, from 
their easiness of digestion and the mild nutriment which they 
afford, as well as their laxative effect, they form the principal 
diet of the sick horse. 

They are made by pouring boiling water or bran, and stirring 
it well, and then covering it over until it is sufficiently cool for 
the horse to eat. If in the heat of summer a cold mash is pre- 
ferred, it should, nevertheless, be made with hot water, and 
then suffered to remain until it is cold. This is not always suf- 
ficiently attended to by the groom, who is not aware that the 
efficacy of the mash depends principally on the change which is 
effected in the bran and the other ingredients by boiling water 
rendering them more easy of digestion, as well as more aperient. 
If the horse refuses the mash, a few oats may be sprinkled over 
•t, in order to tempt him to eat it ; but if it is previously designed 
that, corn should be given in the mash, it should be scalded with 



MEDICINES. 461 

the bran, in order to soften it and render it more digestible. Eran 
mashes are very useful preparatives for physic, and they are 
necessary during the operation of the physic. They very soon 
become sour, and the manger of the horse, of whose diet they 
form a principal part, should be daily and carefully cleaned out. 

When horses are weakly and much reduced, malt mashes will 
often be very palatable to them and very nutritive : but the water 
that is poured on a malt mash should be considerably below the 
boiling heat, otherwise the malt will be set, or clogged together. 
If the owner was aware of the value of a malt mash, it would 
be oftener given when the horse is rapidly getting weaker from 
protracted disease, or when he is beginning to recover from a dis- 
ease by which he has been much reduced. The only exception 
to their use is in cases of chest affection, in which they must not 
be given too early. In grease, and in mange accompanied by 
much emaciation, malt mashes will be peculiarly useful, especially 
if they constitute a principal portion of the food. 

Mercury, — see Hydrargyrum. 

Mercurial Ointment, — see under Hydrargyrum. 

Muriatic Acid, — see Acidum Muriaticum. 

Mustard, Sinapis. — This will be found occasionally useful, if, 
in inflammation of the chest or bowels, it is well rubbed on the 
chest or the abdomen. The external swelling and irritation which 
it excites may, to a greater or less degree, abate the inflammation 
within. 

Myrrh, — may be used in the form of tincture, or it may be 
united to the tincture of aloes as a stimulating and digestive ap- 
plication to wounds. Diluted with an equal quantity of water, 
it is a good application for canker in the mouth, but as an inter- 
nal medicine it seems to be inert, although some practitioners ad- 
vocate its use, combined with opium, in cases of chronic cough. 

Nitre, — see under Potash. 

Nitrous ./Ether, Spirit of, — is a very useful medicine in the 
advanced stages of fever, for while it, to a certain degree, rouses 
the exhausted powers of the animal, and may be denominated a 
stimulant, it never brings back the dangerous febrile action which 
was subsiding. It is given in doses of three or four drachms. 

Olive Oil, — is an emollient and demulcent. Its laxative effect 
is very inconsiderable and uncertain in the horse. 

Opium. — However underrated by some, there is not a more 
valuable drug on our list. It does not often act as a narcotic, ex- 
c( pt in considerable doses ; but it is a powerful antispasmodic, 
sedative, and astringent. As an antispasmodic, it enters into the 
cholic drink, and it is the sheet-anchor of the veterinarian in the 
treatment of tetanus or locked-jaw. As a sedative it relaxes that 
universal spasm of the muscular system winch is the character- 



462 MEDICINES. 

lsti« of tetanus ; and, perhaps, it is only as a sedative that it has 
such admirable effect as an astringent, for when the irritation 
around the mouths of the vessels of the intestines and kidneys is 
allayed by the opium, the undue purging and profuse staling wif 
necessarily be arrested. 

Opium should, however, be given with caution. It is its sec- 
ndary effect that is sedative, and, if given in cases of fever, its 
primary effect in increasing the excitation of the frame may be 
very considerable and highly injurious. In the early and acute 
stage of fever, it would be bad practice to give it in the smallest 
quantity ; but when the fever has passed, or is passing, there is 
nothing which so rapidly subdues the irritability that accompanies 
extreme weakness. It becomes an excellent tonic, because it is 
a sedative. 

If the blue or green vitriol, or cantharides, have been pushed 
too far, opium, sooner than any other drug, quiets the disorder 
they have occasioned. It is given in doses of one or two drachms, 
in the form of ball. Other medicines are usually combined with 
it, according to the circumstances of the case. 

Externally, it is useful in ophthalmia. In the form of decoc- 
tion of the poppy-head, it may constitute the basis of an anodyne 
poultice ; but it must not be given in union with any alkali, with 
the exception of chalk, in over-purging ; nor with the superace- 
tate of lead, by which its powers are materially impaired ; nor 
with sulphate of zinc, or copper, or iron. 

From its high price it is much adulterated, and it is not always 
met with in a state of purity. The best tests are its smell, its 
taste, its toughness and pliancy, its fawn or brown color, and its 
weight, for it is the heaviest of all the vegetable extracts except 
gum arabic ; yet its weight is often fraudulently increased by 
stones and bits of lead dexterously concealed in it. The English 
opium is almost as good as the Turkish, and frequently sold for it ; 
but is distinguishable by its blackness and softness. 

* Palm Oil, — when genuine, is the very best substance that can 
be used for making masses and balls. It has a pleasant smell, 
and it never becomes rancid. 

Pepper, — see Capsici Baccle. 

Pitch, — is used to give adhesiveness and firmness to charges 
and plasters. The common pitch is quite as good as the more 
expensive Burgundy pitch. The best plaster for sand-crack con- 
sists of one pound of pitch and an ounce of yellow beeswax melted 
together. 

Physic. — The cases which require physic, the composition of 
the most effectual and safest physic-ball, and the mode of treat- 
ment under physic, have been already described. 

Potash. — Two compounds of potash are used in veterinary 



MEDICINES. 463 

practice The Nitrate of Potash {Nitre) is a valualle cooling 
medicine and a mild diuretic, and, therefore, it should enter into 
the composition of every fever-ball. Its dose is from two to four 
drachms. Grooms often dissolve it in the water. There are two 
objections to this : either the horse is nauseated and will not drink 
so much water as he ought ; or the salt taste of the water causes 
considerable thirst, and disinclination to solid food. Nitre, whilst 
dissolving, materially lowers the temperature of water, and fur- 
nishes a very cold and useful lotion for sprain of the back-sinews, 
and other local inflammations. The lotion should be used as soon 
as the salt is dissolved, for it quickly becomes as warm as the 
surrounding air. The Bitartrate of Potash (Cream of Tartar) 
is a mild diuretic, and, combined with iEthiop's mineral, is used 
as an alterative in obstinate mange or grease. The objection, 
however, to its use in such an animal as the horse, is the little 
power which it seems to exercise. 

Poultices. — Few horsemen are aware of the value of these 
simple applications in abating inflammation, relieving pain, cleans- 
ing wounds, and disposing them to heal. They are applications 
of the best kind continued much longer than a simple fomentation 
can be. In all inflammations of the foot they are very beneficial, 
by softening the horn hardened by the heat of the foot and con- 
tracted and pressing on the internal and highly sensible parts. 
The moisture and warmth are the useful qualities of the poultice ; 
and that poultice is the best for general purposes in which moisture 
and warmth are longest retained. Perspiration is most abundantly 
promoted in the part, the pores are opened, swellings are relieved, 
and discharges of a healthy nature procured from wounds. 

Linseed meal forms the best general poultice, because it longest 
retains the moisture. Bran, although frequently used for poultices, 
is objectionable, because it so soon becomes dry To abate con- 
siderable inflammation, and especially in a wounded part, Goulard 
may be added, or the linseed meal may be made into a paste with 
a decoction of poppy-heads. To promote a healthy discharge 
from an old or foul ulcer ; or separation of the dead from the liv- 
ing parts, in the process of what is called coring out ; or to hasten 
the ripening of a tumor that must be opened ; or to cleanse it 
when it is opened, — two ounces of common turpentine may be 
added to a pound of linseed meal : but nothing can be so absurd, 
or is so injurious, as the addition of turpentine to a poultice that 
is designed to be an emollient. The drawing poultices and stop- 
pings of farriers are often highly injurious, instead of abating 
inflammation. 

If the ulcer smells offensively, two ounces of powdered chai- 
coal may be added to the linseed meal, or the poultice may be 
made of water, to which a solution of the chloride of lime ha? 



464 MEDICINES. 

been added in the proportion of half an ounce to a pound. Ai 
an emollient poultice for grease and cracked heels, and especially 
if accompanied by much unpleasant smell, there is nothing prefer- 
able to a poultice of mashed carrots with charcoal. For old 
grease some slight stimulant must be added, as a little yeast or 
the grounds of table beer. 

There are two errors, in the application of a poultice, and par- 
ticularly as it regards the legs. It is often put on too tight, by 
means of which the return of the blood from the foot is prevent- 
ed, and the disease is increased instead of lessened ; or it is too hot, 
and unnecessary pain is given, and the inflammation aggravated. 

Powders. — Some horses are very difficult to ball or drench, 
and the violent struggle that would accompany the attempt to 
conquer them may heighten the fever or inflammation. To such 
horses powders must be given in mashes. Emetic tartar and 
digitalis may be generally used in cases of inflammation or fever ; 
or emetic tartar for worms ; or calomel or even the farina of the 
croton-nut for physic : but powders are too often an excuse for the 
laziness or awkwardness of the carter or groom. The horse fre- 
quently refuses them, especially if his appetite has otherwise be- 
gun to fail ; the powder and the mash are wasted, and the 
animal is unnecessarily nauseated. All medicine should be given 
in the form of a ball or drink. 

Prussic Acid. — See Acidum Hydrocianicum. 

Quinine. — See under Bark, Peruvian. 

Raking. — This consists in introducing the hand into the rec- 
tum of the horse, and drawing out any hardened dung that may 
be there. It may be necessary in costiveness or fever, if a 
clyster pipe cannot be obtained ; but an injection will better 
effect the purpose, and with less inconvenience to the animal. 
The introduction of the hand into the rectum is, however, useful 
to ascertain the existence of stone in the bladder, or the degree 
of distension of the bladder in suppression of the urine, for the 
bladder will be easily felt below the intestine, and, at the same 
time by the heat of the intestine, the degree of inflammation in it 
or in the bladder may be detected. 

Resin. — The yellow resin is that which remains after the 
distillation of oil of turpentine. It is used externally to give 
consistence to ointments, and to render them slightly stimulant. 
Internally it is a useful diuretic, and is given in doses of five or 
six drachms made into a ball with soft soap. The common 
liquid turpentine is, however, preferable. 

Rowels. — The manner of rowelling has been already de- 
scribed. As exciting inflammation on the surface, and so les- 
sening that which had previously existed in a neighboring but 
deeper-seated par", they are decidedly inferior to blisters, for they 



MEDICINES. 466 

qo not act so quickly or so extensively ; therefore they should 
not be used in acute inflammation of the lungs or bowels, or any 
vital part. When the inflammation, however, although not in- 
tense, has long continued, rowels will be serviceable by produ- 
cing an irritation and discharge that can be better kept up than 
by a blister. As promoting a permanent, although not very con- 
siderable discharge, and some inflammation, rowels in the thighs 
are useful in swelled legs and obstinate grease. If fluid is thrown 
out under the skin in any other part, the rowel acts as a per- 
manent drain. When the sprain of the joint or the muscles 
ot the shoulders is suspected, a rowel in the chest will be ser- 
viceable. The wound caused by a rowel will readily heal, and 
with little blemish, unless the useless leather of the farrier has 
been inserted. 

Sal Ammoniac, — See Chloride of Ammonia. 

Salt, common, see Sodii Chloridum. 

Secale cornutum, Ergot of Rye. — This is well known to be 
an excitant in assisting parturition in cattle, sheep, and dogs. It has 
been used with success in the mare by Mr. Richardson, of Lin- 
coln. It should only be applied in difficult cases, and the dose 
snould be two drachms, combined with some carminative, and 
given every hour. 

Sedatives, — are medicines that subdue irritation, repress spas 
modic action, or deaden pain. We will not inquire whether they 
act first as stimulants : if they do, their effect is exceedingly tran- 
sient, and is quickly followed by depression and diminished action. 
Digitalis, hellebore, opium, turpentine, are medicines of this 
kind. Their effect in different diseases or stages of disease, and 
the circumstances which indicate the use of any one of them in 
preference to the rest, are considered under their respective titles.* 

Soda. — The Carbonate of Soda is a useful antacid, and prob- 
ably a diuretic, but it is not much used in veterinary practice. 
The Chloride of Soda is not so efficacious for the removal of un- 
pleasant smells and all infection as the chloride of lime ; but it is 
exceedingly useful in changing malignant and corroding and de- 
structive sores into the state of simple ulcers, and, in ulcers that 
are not malignant, it much hastens the cure. Poll-evil and fis- 
tulous withers are much benefited by it, and all farcy ulcers. It 
is used in the proportion of one part of the solution to twenty-four 
of water. 

Sodii Chloridum, Common Salt, — is very extensively em- 
ployed in veterinary practice. It forms an efficacious aperient 

* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Sedatives. — To the list enumerated in the tcx^ 
may be added the extract of belladonna, or the deadly nightshade, which w 
(jlven in doses of two drachms. 

3Q 



4fi6 MEDICINES. 

clyster, and a solution of it has been given as an aperient drink. 
Sprinkled over the hay, or in a mash, it is very palatable to sick 
horses ; and in that languor and disinclination to food which re- 
main after severe illness, few things will so soon recall the appe- 
tite as a drink composed of six or eight ounces of salt in solution 
To horses in health it is more useful than is generally imagined, 
as promoting the digestion of the food, and, consequently, condi 
tion. Externally applied, there are few better lotions for in 
flamed eyes than a solution of half a drachm of salt in four ounce* 
of water. In the proportion of an ounce of salt to the same quan- 
tity of water, it is a good embrocation for sore shoulders and 
backs ; and if it does not always disperse warbles and tumors, it 
takes away much of the tenderness of the skin. 

Sod.e Sulphas, — Sulphate of Soda. — Glauber's Salt. — This 
medicine is seldom used in the treatment of the horse. It ap- 
pears to have some diuretic property. 

Soap, — is supposed to possess a diuretic quality, and therefore 
enters into the composition of some diuretic masses. See Resin. 
By many practitioners it is made an ingredient in the physic-ball, 
but uselessly or injuriously so ; for if the shoes are finely powdered 
and mixed with palm oil, they will dissolve readily enough in the 
bowels without the aid of the soap, while the action of the soap 
on the kidneys will impair the purgative effect of the aloes. 

Spanish Fly, — See Cantharides. 

Starch, — may be substituted with advantage for gruel in ob- 
stinate cases of purging, both as a clyster, and to support the 
strength of the animal. 

Stoppings, — constitute an important, but too often neglected 
part of stable management. If a horse is irregularly or seldom 
worked, his feet are deprived of moisture ; they become hard and 
unyielding and brittle, and disposed to corn and contraction and 
founder. The very dung of a neglected and filthy stable would be 
preferable to habitual standing on the cleanest litter without stop- 
ping. In wounds, and bruises, and corns, moisture is even more ne- 
cessary, in order to supple the horn, and relieve its pressure on the 
tender parts beneath. As a common stopping, nothing is better 
than cow-dung with a fourth part of clay well beaten into it, and 
confined with splents from the binding or larger twigs of the 
broom. In cases of wounds, a little tar may be added ; but tar, 
as a common stopping, is too stimulating and drying. Pads made 
of thick felt have lately been contrived, which are fitted to the 
sole, and, swelling on being wetted, are sufficiently confined b) 
the shoe. Having been well saturated with water, they will 
continue moist during the night. They are very useful in gen- 
tlemen's stables ; but the cow-dung and clay are suffic'riit for the 
farmer. 



MEDICINES 467 

Strychnia. — This drug has frequently been employed with 
decided advantage in cases of paralysis in the d jg ; and lately, 
and with decided advantage, it has been administered to the 
horse. The dose is from one to three grains, given twice in the 
day. 

Sugar of Lead, — see under Lead. 

Sulphur, — is the basis of the most effectual applications for 
mange. It is an excellent alterative, combined usually with an- 
timony and nitre, and particularly for mange, surfeit, grease, hide- 
bound, or want of condition ; and it is a useful ingredient in the 
cough and fever ball. When given alone, it seems to have little 
effect, except as a laxative in doses .of six or eight ounces ; but 
there are much better aperients. The black sulphur consists prin- 
cipally of the dross after the pure sulphur has been separated. 

Tar, — melted with an .equal quantity of grease forms the usu- 
al stopping of the farrier. It is a warm, or slightly stimulant, 
and therefore useful, dressing for bruised or wounded feet ; but its 
principal virtue seems to consist in preventing the penetration of 
dirt and water to the wounded part. As a common stopping it 
has been considered objectionable. From its warm and drying 
properties it is the usual and proper basis for thrush ointments ; 
and from its adhesiveness, and slightly stimulating power, it often 
forms an ingredient in application for mange. Some practition- 
ers give it, and advantageously, with the usual cough medicine, 
and in doses of two or three drachms for chronic cough. The 
common tar is as effectual as the Barbadoes for every veterinary 
purpose. The oil, or spirit (rectified oil) of tar is sometimes used 
alone for the cure of mange, but it is not to be depended upon. 
The spirit of tar, mixed with double the quantity of fish-oil, is, 
from its peculiar penetrating property, one of the best applica- 
tions for hard and brittle feet. It should be well rubbed with a 
brush, every night, both on the crust and sole. 

Tinctures. — The medicinal properties of many substances are 
extracted by spirit of wine, but in such small quantities as to be 
scarcely available for internal use in veterinary practice. So 
much aloes or opium must be given in order to produce effect on 
the horse, that the quantity of spirit necessary to dissolve it would 
be injurious or might be fatal. As applications to wounds or in- 
flamed surfaces, the tinctures of aloes, digitalis, myrrh, and opium, 
are highly useful. 

Tobacco, — in the hands of the skilful veterinarian, may be ad- 
vantageously employed in cases of extreme costiveness, or danger- 
ous cholic ; but should never be permitted to be used as an ex- 
ternal application for the cure of mange, or an internal medicine 
to promote a fine coat. 

Tonics —are valuable medicines when judiciously employed ; 



468 MEDICINES. 

but, like cordials, they have been fatally abused. Many a horse 
recovering from severe disease has been destroyed by their too 
early, or too free use. The veterinary surgeon occasionally ad- 
ministers them injuriously, in his anxiety to gratify the impa- 
tience of his employer. The mild vegetable tonics, chamomile, 
gentian, and ginger, and, perhaps, the carbonate of iron, may 
sometimes be given with benefit, and may hasten the perfect reco- 
very of the patient ; but there are few principles more truly found- 
ed on reason and experience, than, that disease once removed, 
the powers of nature are sufficient to re-establish health. Against 
the more powerful mineral tonics, except for the particular pur- 
poses that have been pointed out under the proper heads, the horse 
proprietor and the veterinarian should be on his guard. 

Turner's Cerate, — see under Digestives, and also under 
Zinc. 

Turpentine. — The common liquid turpentine has been de- 
scribed as one of the best diuretics, in doses of half an ounce, and 
made into a ball with linseed meal and powdered ginger. It is 
added to the calamine or any other mild ointment in order to ren- 
der it stimulating and digestive, and, from its adhesiveness and 
slight stimulating power it is an ingredient in mange ointments. 
The oil of turpentine is an excellent antispasmodic. For the re- 
moval of colic it stands unrivalled. Forming a tincture with 
cantharides, it is the basis of the sweating blister for old strains 
and swellings. As a blister it is far inferior to the common oint- 
ment. As a stimulant frequently applied it must be sufficiently 
lowered, or it may blemish. — See Resin. 

Verdigris, — see under Copper. 

Vinegar, — see Acidum Aceticum. 

Vitriol, — blue, — see under Copper. 

Vitriol, — green, — see under Ferrum. 

Vitriol, — white, — see under Zinc. 

Vitriol, — Oil of, — see Acidum Sulphuricum. 

Wax. — The yellow wax is used in charges and some plasters 
;o render them less brittle. 

Zinc. — The impure carbonate of zinc, under the name oi 
Calamine Poivder, is used in the preparation of a valuable heal- 
ing ointment, called Turner's Cerate. Five parts of lard and out 
of resin are melted together, and when these begin to get cool 
two parts of the calamine, reduced to an impalpable powder, art 
stirred in. If the wound is not healthy, a small quantity of com 
mon turpentine may be added. This salve justly deserves tins 
..-me which it has gained, " The Healing Ointment." The ca- 
rmine is sometimes sprinkled with advantage on cracked heels 
and superficial sores. 

The sulphate of zinc, White Vitriol, in the proportion of three 



MEDICINES 469 

grains to an ounce of water, is an excellent application in opthal- 
mia, when the inflammatory stage is passing over ; and quittor is 
most successfully treated by a saturated solution of white vitriol 
being injected into the sinuses. A solution of white vitriol of less 
strength forms a wash for grease that is occasionally useful, when 
the alum or blue vitriol does not appear to succeed. 

Zingiberis Radix. — Ginger Root. — This is an admirable sti- 
mulant and carminative. It is useful in loss of appetite and fla- 
tulent colic, while it rouses the intestinal canal to its propei 
action. The cordial mass resorted to by the best surgeons con- 
sists of equal parts of ginger and gentian beaten into a mass 
with treacle. 



INDEX. 



Acetabulum, description of the, 272. 

Acini, description of, 213. 

Acetic acid, its properties, 436. 

Adeps, properties of, 437. 

iEthiop's mineral, an alterative, 411. 

Age, natural, of the horse, 130 ; of the 
horse as indicated by the teeth, 122 ; 
other indications of, 129. 

Air, a supply of pure, necessary for the 
health of the horse, 385. 

Alcohol, its medicinal properties, 437. 

Aloes, Barbadoes, far preferable to 
Cape, 437 ; description of the differ- 
ent kinds of, 438 ; principal adultera- 
tions of, 439 ; tincture of, its composi- 
tion and use, ib. 

Alteratives, the best, 439 ; nature and 
effect of, 440. 

Alum, the use of, in restraining purging, 
440 ; solution of, a good wash for 

grease, ib ; burnt, a stimulant and caus- 
tic for wounds, ib. 

Ammonia, given in flatulent colic, 440 ; 
vapor of, plentifully extricated from 
dung and urine, most injurious to the 
eyes and lungs, ib. 

Anchylosis of bones, what, 149. 

Animals, zoological divisions of, 44. 

Anise-seed, its properties, 441. 

Anodyne, opium the only one to be de- 
pended on, 441. 

Antea-spinatus muscle, description of 
the, 251. 

Antimonial powder, a good febrifuge, 
441. 

Antimony, black sulphuretof, method of 
detecting its adulterations, 441 ; used 
as an alterative, ib. ; tartarized, used 
as a nauseant, diaphoretic and worm 
medicine, ib. 

Antispasmodics, nature of, 442. 

Apoplexy, nature and treatment of, 70. 

Aqueous fluid, an, why placed in the 
labyrinth of the ear, 58 ; humor of the 
eye, description of the, 64. 

Arabian Horses, different varieties of, 
25, 26 ; character of, 26, 27 ; fondness 
of the Arabs for, 27 ; prices of, 28 ; 
unequal to the English race-horse, 29. 

Arabian, 25 ; Darley, 19 ; Godolphin, 
21. 



Arcned form of the skull, advantage o£ 
55. 

Arm, description of the, 252 ; action of 
explained on the principle of the lev- 
er, 249, 252 ; extensor muscles of the. 
252, 253 ; flexor muscles of the, 253 , 
full and swelling, advantage of, ib. ; 
should be muscular and long, 252 ; 
fracture of the, 338. 

Arsenic, medical use of, 442. 

Arteries, description of the, 140; of the 
arm, 252 : of the face, 101 ; neck, 140 
shoulder, 246. 

Ascaris, account of the, 227. 

Astragalus, account of the, 278. 

Atlas, anatomy of the, 136. 

Auscultation, the importance of, 171. 

Back, general description of the, 149: 
proper form of the, ib. ; long and short, 
comparative advantages of, ib. ; anat- 
omy of the, ib. ; muscles of the, 151. 

Backing, of the colt, 371 ; a bad habit of 
the horse, usual origin of it, ib. 

Back-sinews, sprain of the, 258 ; thicken- 
ing of the. constituting unsoundness 
429. 

Balls, the manner of giving, 442 ; the 
manner of making, ib. 

Barbary horse, description of, 21. 

Barbs or paps, treatment of, 133. 

Bark, Peruvian, the properties of it, 443. 

Barley, considered as food for the horse, 
396. 

Barnacles, use of the, as a mode of re- 
straint, 360. 

Bar-shoe, description and use of, 352. 

Bars, description and office of the, 296 ; 
proper paring of, for shoeing, 297 
folly of cutting them away, ib. ; re- 
moval of, a cause of contraction, ib. ; 
corns, ib. 

Basilicon ointment, 443. 

Bay horses, description of, 413. 

Beans, good for hardly- worked horses, 
and that have a tendency to purge, 
397, 402; should always be crushed 
398. 

Bearing-rein, the use and abuse of, 113. 

Beet, the nutritive matter in, 401. 

Belladonna, extract of, 443. 



472 



INDEX. 



Biceps femoris, account of the, 274. 

Bile, account of the, 213. 

Bishopingthe teeth, description of, 128. 

Biting, a bad habit, and how usually ac- 
quired, 372. 

Bit, the, often too sharp, 118; sometimes 
got into the mouth, 372. 

Biting of the colt, 242. 

Black horses, description and character 
of, 414. 

Blaze, 19. 

Bladder, description of the, 234; inflam- 
mation of, symptoms and treatment, 
ib. ; neck of, ib. ; stone in the, 235. 

Bleeding, best place for general, 16*6, 
361; directions for, 140, 166; from 
veins rather than arteries, 140; finger 
should be on the pulse during, 360 ; 
importance of, in inflammation, ib. ; 
at the toe described, 168; comparison 
between the fleam and lancet, 166, 167. 

Blindness, usual method of discovering, 
64 ; discovered by the pupil not dila- 
ting or contracting, ib. ; of one eye, 
ib. 

Blistering all round at once, barbarity 
and danger of, 363, 445 ; after firing, 
absurdity and cruelty of, 362. 

Blisters, best composition of, 362 ; the 
different kinds and uses of, ib. ; best 
mode of applying, ib. ; caution with 
regard to their application, ib. ; the 
principle of their action, 443 ; use of, 
in inflammation, 362 ; comparison be- 
tween them and rowels and setons, 
366, 367. 

Blood, change in after bleeding, 167 ; 
changes in during respiration, 156 ; 
coagulation of, 189 ; horses, very sub- 
ject to contraction, 309 ; spavin, na- 
ture and treatment of, 164. 

Bloody urine, 233. 

Bog spavin, nature and treatment of, 
164, 281, 282, 287. 

Bole-Armenian, medical use of, 444. 

Bones, strength does not depend on the 
size of, 28. 

Bone-spavin, nature and treatment of, 
£83. 

Bots in the stomach, natural history of, 
208, 209 ; not usually injurious, 209. 

Bowels, inflammation of the, 220. 

Brain, description of the, 55; its cortical 
and cineritious composition, 56; the 
office of each, ib. ; compression of the, 
56, 69 ; pressure on the, 69 ; inflamma- 
tion of the, 74. 

Bran, as food for the horse, 397. 

Breaking in should commence in the 
second winter, 240 ; description of its 
various stages, 240, 241 ; necessity of 
gentleness and patience in, ib. ; of the 
farmer's horse, ib. ; of the hunter or 
hackney, ib. 

Breast, muscles of the, 152. 



Breathing, the mechanism of, 154. 

Breeding, qualities of the mare of a* 
much importance as those of the horse, 
237 ; the peculiarity of form and con- 
stitution inherited, ib. ; in-and-in, ob- 
servations on, 26, 238. 

Breeds, good effects of crossing them. 
29 ; bad effects of ditto, ib. 

Broken down, what. 259. 

Broken knees, treatment of, 254 ; method 
of judging of the danger of. ib. ; when 
healed, not unsoundness, but the form 
and action of the horse should be care- 
fully examined, 421. 

Broken-wind, nature and treatment of, 
196; influenced much, and often 
caused by the manner of feeding, 
198 ; how distinguished from thick- 
wind, ib. 

Bronchial tubes, description of the, 1 44 

Bronchitis, nature and treatment of, 184 

Bronchocele, account of, 174. 

Bronchotomy, the operation of, 165. 

Brood mare, description of the, 237 
should not be too old, ib. ; treatment 
of, after covering, 238 ; after foaling, 
239. . 

Brown horses, description of, 387. 

Buccinator muscle, description of the, 
103. 

CjEcum, description of the, 211. 
Calamine powder, account of, 417. 
Calculi in the intestines, 226. 
Calkins, advantages and disadvantages 

of, 346 ; should be placed on both 

heels, ib. 
Camphor, the medical use of, 444. 
Canadian horse, character of, 29 ; cross 

with American horse, 29. 
Canker of the foot, nature and treatment 

of, 330. 
Cannon, or shank-bone, description of 

the 256. 
Cantharides, from the best blister, 445 t 

given for the cure of glanders, ib. 
Capillary vessels, the, 159. 
Capivi, balsam of, 448. 
Capped hock, nature and treatment of, 

270, 285, 286; although not always 

unsoundness there should be a special 

warranty against it, 421. 
Capsicum Berries, their stimulating ef- 
fect, 445. 
Carbonate of blood got rid of in respira 

tion. 
Carbonate of iron, a mild tonic, 454. 
Carraways, a good aromatic, 445. 
Carrots, excellent effects of in disease, 

401. 
Cartilages of the foot, description and 

action of the, 299 ; ossification of the 

331. 427 ; a cause of unsoundness, 4iI7 
Caruncula laerymalis, the, 93. 
Cascarilla Bark, a tonic and aromatic. 443 



TNDEX. 



473 



Castor oil, not a purgative for the horse, 
445. 

Castration, method of, 245 ; proper pe- 
riod for, 244, 245 ; the operation by 
torsion, 245. 

Cataract in the eye, nature of, 65 ; can- 
not be operated on in the horse, ib. ; 
method of examination for, ib. : the 
occasional appearance and disappear- 
ance o f , 96. 

Catarrh, description and treatment of, 
169. 170 ; distinguished from glanders, 
170; distinguished from inflammation 
of the lungs, 169; epidemic, 175. 

Catarrhal fever, nature and treatment of, 
170. 

Catachu, a good astringent, method' of 
giving, and adulterations of, 446. 

Catheter, description of one, 235, 236. 

Caustic, an account of the best, 446. 

Cawl, description of the, 214. 

Cerebellum, description of the, 56. 

Cerebrum, description of the, 56. 

Chalk, its medicinal use in the horse, 
446. 

Chf.ff, attention should be paid to the 
goodness of the ingredients, 393 ; best 
composition of, ib. ; when given to the 
hard- worked horse, much time is saved 
for repose, 394; quantity necessary 
for different kinds of horses, 393. 

Chamomile, a mild tonic, 446. 

Channel of the jaws, what, 121. 

Charcoal, useful in a poultice, and as an 
antiseptic, 447. 

Charges, composition and use of, 447. 

Chest, anatomy of the. 145; proper form 
of the, 146; cut of the, 145; the im- 
portance of depth of, 146 ; narrow and 
rounded, comparison between, ib. ; 
the broad chest, 147 ; founder, descrip- 
tion of, 152. 

Chestnut horses, varieties of, 412. 

Chinked in the chine, what, 149. 

Childers, Flying, cut of, 18 ; Bartletts, 
19 ; their get, ib. 

Chloride of lime, an excellent disinfec- 
tant, 412 ; of soda, useful in unhealthy 
ulcers. 415. 

Chorea, 83. 

Choroid coat of the eye, description and 
use of the, 63. 

Chyle, the formation of, 211. 

Ciliary processes of the eye, description 
of the, 64. 

Cineritous matter of the brain, nature and 
function of the, 56 

Cleveland Bay, character of, 39 ; im- 
ported into United States, ib. 

Clicking, cause and remedy of, 380. 

Clipping, recommendation of, 407. 

Clips, when necessary, 346. 

Clover, considered as an article of food, 
400. 

Clysters, the composition and great use- 



fulness of, 447 ; directions as to the 
administration of, ib. 

Coat, fine, persons much too solicitoui 
to procure it, 390. 

Cocktail horse, mode of nicking, 368. 

Coffin-bone, description of the, 299 ; the 
lamella?, or leaves of, ib. ; fracture of, 
342. 

Coffin-joint, sprain of, 368. 

Cold, common, description and treat 
ment of, 169. 

Colic, flatulent, account of, 218 ; spasmod 
ic, description and treatment of, 215. 

Colon, description of the, 211, 212. 

Color, remarks on, 411. 

Colt, early treatment of the, 240. 

Complexus major, description of the, 
139 ; minor, description of the, ib. 

Concave-seated shoe, the, described and 
recommended, 348. 

Conjunctiva, description of the. 61 ; ap- 
pearance of, how far a test of inflam- 
mation, ib. 

Consternation, cut of ', frontispiece ; ped- 
igree of, 22; character of, 23, 24. 

Consumption, account of, 199. 

Contraction of the foot, nature of, 307, 
391 ; the peculiarity of the lameness 
produced by, 309 ; how far connected 
with thenaviculardisea.se, 312 ; is not 
the necessary consequence of shoeing 
307 ; produced by neglect of paring 
308 ; wearing the shoes too long, ib. , 
want of natural moisture, 309 ; the re 
moval of the bars, ib. ; not so much 
produced by litter as imagined, 309 . 
the cause rather than the consequence 
of thrush, 307 ; best mode of treating 
310, 311 ; rarely permanently cured 
311 ; does not necessarily imply un- 
soundness, 421 ; although not neces 
sarily unsoundness, should have a 
special warranty against it, 422 ; 
blood horses very subject to, 309. 

Convexity of the eye, the proper, not 
sufficiently attended to, 62. 

Copaiba, account of the resin, 448. 

Copper, the combination of, used in vet 
erinary practice, 448. 

Corded veins, what, 114. 

Cordials, the use and abuse of, in the 
horse, 449. 

Cornea, description of the, 62; mode of 
examining the, ib. ; its prominence or 
flatness, ib. ; should be perfectly trans 
parent, ib. 

Corns, the nature and treatment of, 
326 ; produced by cutting away the 
bars, ib. ; not paring out the foot be 
tween the crust and bars, ib. ; pres- 
sure, ib. ; very difficult to cure, £29 • 
constitute unsoundness, 422. 

Coronary ligament, description of the 
296 ; the crust principally produced 
from, ib. ; ring, descript'on of the, Ut. 



4 f 4 



INDEX. 



Coronet, description of the, 296. 

Corrosive sublimate, a good tonic for 
farcy, 411. 

Cortical substance of the brain, descrip- 
tion and fraction of, 56. 

Cough, the nature and treatment of, 
190, 191 ; constitutes unsoundness, 
421 ; the occasional difficulty with re- 
gard to this, 430. 

Cow hocks, description of, 286. 

Cradle, a safe restraint upon the horse 
when blistered, 363. 

Cramp, the nature and treatment of, 
82. 

Cream c jlored horses, account of, 412 ; 
peculiarity in their eyes, 63. 

Cream of tartar, a mild diuretic, 414. 

Creasote, its use in veterinary practice, 
450. 

Crib-biting, description of, 378 ; causes 
and cure, ib. ; injurious to the horse, 
378 ; constitutes unsoundness, 378, 
379. 

Cricoid cartilage of the windpipe, the, 
143. 

Cropping of the ear, absurdity of, 59. 

Crossing the breeds, good effect of, 29 ; 
bad effects of ditto, ib. 

Croton, the farina of, used in physic, 
450. 

Crust of the foot, description of the, 293 ; 
composition of the, 294; consisting 
within of numerous horny plates, ib. ; 
proper degree of it, slanting, 295 ; 
proper thickness of the, ib. ; brittleness 
of, remedy for, 297 ; the cause of sand- 
crack, 317. 

Crystalline lens, description of the, 65. 

Cuboid bones, description of the, 279. 

Cuneiform bones, description of the, 55, 
279. 

Curbs, nature and treatment of, 280; 
constitute unsoundness, 424. 

Cuticle, description of the, 405. 

Cutis, or true skin, account of the, 405. 

Cutting, cause and cure of, 266, 380 ; 
constitutes unsoundness, 424 ; away 
the foot, unfounded prejudice against, 
308. 

Dandriff, the nature of, 405. 

Darley Arabian, 19. 

Deafness, 98. 

Depressor labii inferioris muscle, des- 
cription of the, 103. 

Diabetes, the nature and treatment of, 
233. 

Diaphoretics, their nature and effects, 
451. 

Diaphragm, description of the, 153 ; 
rupture of, 207 ; its connection with 
respiration, 154. 

Digestion, the process of it described, 
451. 

Digestives, their nature and use, 45i. 



Digitalis, highly recommended in colds 

and all inflammatory complaints, 451. 
Dilator magnus lateralis muscle, des 

cription of the. 274 ; naris lateralis 

muscle, description of, ib. 

Distance, 42. 
Diuretic medicines, the use and abuse o£ 

452. 
Docking, method of performing, 367. 
Dogs, danger of encouraging them about 

the stable, 76. 
Dray horse, character of, 40. 
Drinks, how to admijister, 453 ; com- 
parison between them and balls, ib. 
Dropsy of the chest, 203; of the heart, 

157. 
Drum of the ear, description and use of 

the. 58, 59. 
Dun horse, account of the, 412. 
Duodenum, description of the, 211, 

diseases of the, ib. 
Dura mater, description of the, 55. 

Ear, description of the external parts, 
58 ; internal parts, ib. ; bones of the, 
description and use of, 58, 59 ; laby- 
rinth of the, 58 ; indicative of the tern 
per, ib. ; clipping and singeing, cruelty 
of, 59 ; treatment of wounds or bruises 
of, 98 ; cruel operations on the, ib. 

Eclipse, pedigree of, 20 ; form of, 20 , 
history and performances of, 20, 21 
thickwinded, 20. 

Elasticity of the ligament of the neck, 
54. 

Elbow, the proper form and inclination 
of, 253 ; capped, 252 ; fracture of, 338 ; 
punctured, 253. 

Emetic tartar, used as a nauseant, dia 
phoretic, and worm medicine, 441. 

Enamel of the teeth, account of the, 122 

English Eclipse, 20. 

Ensiform cartilage, the, 146. 

Entanglement of the intestines, descrip 
tion of, 226. 

Enteritis, account of, 220. 

Epidemic catarrh, nature and treatmeiv 
of, 175 ; malignant, nature and treat- 
ment of, 181. 

Epiglottis, description of the, 142. 

Epilepsy, nature and treatment of, 84. 

Epsom salts, used as a purgative, 460 

Ergot of rye, the action of, 405. 

Ethmoid bone, description of the, 55. 

Ewe-neck, unsightliness and inconveni 
ence of, 139. 

Exchanges of horses stand on the sam* 
ground as sales, 433. 

Exercise, directions for, 391 ; the neces 
sity of regular, 392 ; want of, produ- 
cing grease, 290 ; more injury done by 
the want of it than by the hardest 
work.. 391. 

Expansion shoe, description and use of 
the 35.7 



INDEX. 



475 



Extensor pedis muscle, description of 
the, 267. - 

Sye, description of the, 89 ; cut of the, 
*62 ; fracture of the orbit of the, 68 j 
healthy appearance of the, 64 ; dis- 
eases of the. 91 s inflammation of, 
common, 93 ; ditto, specific, 94 ; ditto, 
causes, 95; ditto, medical treatment 
of, 94, 95 ; ditto, untractable nature of, 
95, 96 ; ditto, consequences of, 95 ; 
ditto, marks of recent, 425 ; ditto, con- 
stitutes unsoundness, ib. ; ditto, here- 
ditary, 95 ; method and importance of 
examining it, 62, 64 ; indicative of the 
temper, 59 ; the pit above, indicative 
of the age, 48 ; muscles of the. 66. 

Eyebrows, substitute for, 60, 

Eyelashes, description of, 60 ; folly of 
singeing them, ib. 

Eyelid, description of, 60. 

Eyelids, diseases of the, 91. 

Exostosis on the orbit of the eye, 68. 



Face, description of the, 99 ; cut of the 
muscles, nerves, and blood-vessels of, 
10-2. 
Falling in of the foot, what, 306. 
False quarter, nature and treatment of, 

320, 321. 
Farcy, a disease of the absorbents of the 
skin, 114, 115 : connected with glan- i 
ders, 114 ; both general and infectious. I 
116; symptoms of, 115 ; treatment of, 
116; buds, what, 115, the effea of 
Ciintharides in, 117 ; diniodide of cop- 
per, ib. 
Feeding, high, connected with grease, 
291 ; regular periods of, necessity of 
attending to, 402; manner of, has 
much influence on broken wind, 197. 
Feet, the general management of, 403 ; 
attention to, and stopping at night, re- 
commended, ib 
Felt soles, description and use of, 353. 
Femur, fracture of the, 339. 
Fetlock, description of the, 267. 
Fever, idiopathic or pure, 163; symp- 
toms of, ib. ; symptomatic, 164. 
Fibula, description of the, 276. 
Firing, the principle on which resorted 
to, 364 ; mode of applying. 365 ; should 
not penetrate the skin, ib. ; absurdity 
and cruelty of blistering after, ib. ; 
horse should not be used for some 
months after, ib. 
Fistula laerymalis, 60 ; in the poll, 136. 
Fits, symptoms, causes, and treatment 

of, 84. 
Fleam and lancet, comparison between 

them, 166. 
Flexor of the arm, description of the, 
253 ; metatarsi muscle, description of 
the, 276: pedis perforatus, the perfora- 
ted muscle, description of the, 253, 
276 ; pedis perforans, the perforating 



muscle, description of the, 253, 258 
276. 
Flying Childers, the ne plus ultra of 

success reached in his days, 29. 
Foal, early treatment of, 239 ; early 
handling of, important, 240; impor- 
tance of liberal feeding of, ib. ; time 
for weaning, ib. 
Fomentations, theory and use of, 454. 
Food of the horse, observations on, 392 ; 
a list of the usual articles of, 395, et seq. 
should be apportioned to the work, 
393. 
Foot, description of the, 293 ; diseases 
of the, 302 ; canker, 330 ; corns, 326 , 
contraction, 307 ; false quarter. 320 ; 
founder, acute, 302 ; chronic laminitis, 
305 ; inflammation, 304 ; navicular 
joint disease, 311; overreach, 319; 
prick, 324 ; pumiced, 305 ; quittor, 
321 ; sandcrack, 317 ; thrush. 329 ; 
tread, 319 ; weakness, 331 ; wounds, 
324. 
Forceps, arterial, the use of, 168. 
Forehead, the different form of, in the 

ox aud horse, 56. 
Fore-le^s, description of, 246 ; diseases 
of them, 254 ; proper position of 
them, 270. 
Forge-water occasionally used, 454. 
Form, on the improvement of. 25. 
Founder, acute, symptoms, causes, and 
treatment of, 302 ; chronic, nature and 
treatment of, 305. 
Foxglove, strongly recommended in 

colds, and all fevers, 451. 
Fracture of the skull, treatment of, 68 ; 
general observations on fractures, 333 ; 
of the skull, 335 ; orbit of the eye, ib. , 
nasal bones, ib. ; superior maxillary 
or upper jaw-bone, ib. ; inferior ditto, 

336 ; spine, ib. ; ribs, ib. ; pelvis, 

337 ; tail, ib. ; limbs, ib. ; shoulder, 

338 ; arm ib. ; elbow, ib. ; femur, 339 ; 
patella, ib. ; tibia, ib. ; hock, ib. ; leg, 
340 ; sessamoid bones, ib. ; pastern, 
ib. ; lower pastern, 341 ; coffin-bone, 
342 ; navicular bone, ib. 

Frog, horny, description of the, 298 , 
sensible, description of the, 298, 300 ; 
ditto, action and use of the, 298 ; 
pressure, question of the, 299 ; proper 
paring of. for shoeing, ib. ; diseases 
of the, ib. 

Frontal bones, description of the, 47 ; 
sinuses, description of the, 48 ; ditto, 
perforated to detect glanders, ib. 

Furze, considered as an article of food, 
401. 



Gall, account of the, 213 ; bladder, the 

horse has none, ib. 
Gall-stones. 229. 
Gentian, the beat tonic for the horse, 

455 



478 



INDEX. 



Gibbing, a bad habit, cause of, and 
means of lessening, 370. 

Gigs, formation of, 133. 

Ginger, aa excellent aromatic and tonic, 
455, 468. 

Glanders, nature of, 107, 109 ; symp- 
toms, 51, 107, 112; slow progress of, 

107, 109; appearance of the nose in, 
51, 107, 110 ; detected by injecting 
the frontal sinuses, 48 ; how distin- 
guished from catarrh, 109 ; ditto from 
strangles, ib. ; connected with farcy, 

108, 110; treatment of, 113; causes, 
111 ; both generated and contagious, 
111, 112 429; oftenest produced by 
improper stable management, 112 ; 
mode of communication, ib. ; preven- 
tion of, 113 ; account of its speedy ap- 
pearance, 111, 112. 

Glands, enlarged, it depends on many 
circumstances whether they constitute 
unsoundness, 424. 

Glass-eye, nature and treatment of, 97. 

Glauber's salt, its effect, 466. 

Glutasi muscles, description of the, 274. 

Goulard's extract, the use of it much 
overvalued, 460. 

Gracilis muscle, description of the, 273. 

Grains, occasionally used for horses of 
slow work, 396. 

Grapes on the heels, treatment of, 291. 

Grasses, neglect of the farmer as to the 
proper mixture of, 399. 

Gray horses, account of the different 
shades of, 411, 412. 

Grease, nature and treatment of, 288 ; 
cause of, 289 ; farmer's horse not so 
subject to it as others, 290 ; generally 
a mere local complaint, 289. 

Grinders, construction of the, 122. 

Grinding, of the food, accomplished by 
the mechanism of the joint of the low- 
er jaw, 120 ; swallowing without, 
377. 

Grogginess, account of, 265. 

Grooming, as important as exercise to 
the horse, 399 ; opens the pores of the 
skin, and gives a fine coat, 390 ; di- 
rections for, ib. 

Grunter, the, description of, 198 ; is un- 
sound, 423. 

Gullet, description of the, 206; foreign 
bodies in, 208. 

Gum-arabic, for what purposes used, 
435. 

Gutta serena, nature and treatment of, 
97. 

Habits, vicious or dangerous, 370. 

Hematuria, 233. 

Hair, account of the, 405; question of 

cutting it from the heels, 29 1. 
Haunch, description of the, 271 ; wide, 

advantage of, 272 ; injuries of the, ib. ; 

joint, singular strength of it, 271 ; also 



of the thigh bones, advantage of t)i* 
oblique direction of, ib. 

Haw, curious mechanism of the, 60 ,• 
diseases of, 92 ; absurdity and cruel- 
ty of destroying it, 61. 

Hay, considered as food, 394 ; mow- 
burnt, injurious, 399 ; old preferable 
to new, 398. 

Head, anatomy of the, 47 ; the numerous 
bones composing it the reason of this, 
47, 48 ; section of the, 49 ; beautiful 
provision for its support, 53. 

Healing ointment, account of the, 468. 

Hearing of the horse, the very acute, 
58. 

Heart, description of the, 155 ; its action 
described, 156 ; inflammation of the, 
157; dropsy of the, ib. 

Heels, question of cutting the hair from 
them, 291 ; low, disadvantage of, 332 , 
proper paring of, for shoeing, 343 ; 
washing of the, producing grease, 
291. 

Hellebore, white, used in inflammation 
of the lungs and fevers, 455 ; black, 
its use, ib. 

Hemlock, given in inflammation of the 
chest, 456. 

Hepatic duct, the, 213. 

Hernia, the nature and treatment of, 
227. 

Hide-bound, the nature and treatment 
of, 383. 

High-blower, or roarer, a description of 
the 193 ; is unsound, 423. 

Hind logs, description of the, 271. 

Hip-joint, the great strength of the, 272 

Hips, ragged, what, 272. 

Hobbles, description of the best, 359. 

Hock, capped, 285, 286 ; description of 
the, 278; enlargement of the, nature 
of and how affecting soundness, 279, 
425 ; inflammation of the small bones 
of, a frequent cause of lameness, 279 ; 
the principal seat of lameness behind, 
ib. ; lameness of it, without apparenl 
cause, 285 ; fracture of, 339. 

Hogs' lard, properties of, 437. 

Hoof, cut of the, 293 ; description of the. 
294. 

Horn of the crust, secreted principally 
by the coronary ligament, 297 ; once 
separated from the sensible part with- 
in, will never again unite with it, ib. 

Horse, the race horse, 17 ; Arabian, 25 ; 
the Canadian, 29 ; the Cleveland bay, 
38 ; the Norman, 29 ; the Morgan, 35 ; 
the dray, 39 ; the trotter, 40 ; superi- 
ority of American over English, 41, 
42. 

Humerus, description of the, 252. 

Hydrocyanic acid, its occasional good 
service, 436. 

Hydrothorax, symptoms and treatment 
of, 202. 



INDEX. 



477 



Ileum, description of the, 211. 

lull animation, nature of, 160 ; treatment 
of, 160, 161 ; hot or cold applications 
to, guide in the choice of, ib. ; import- 
ance of bleeding in, 160, 361 ; when 
proper to physic in, 161 ; of the bow- 
els, 220 ; ditto, distinction between it 
and colic, ib. ; brain, 74 ; eye, 93 ; 
foot, 302; kidneys, 231 ; larynx, 171; 
lungs, 186; stomach, 207; trachea, 
172; veins, 141. 

Influenza, nature and treatment of, 175. 

Infusions, manner of making them, 457. 

Insanity, 90. 

Intercostal muscles, description of the, 
146. 

Intestines, description of the, 210. 

Introsusception of the intestines, treat- 
ment of, 226. 

Invertebrated animals, what, 44. 

Iodine, usefulness of, in reducing en- 
larged glands, 458. 

Iris, description of the, 64. 

Iron, the carbonate of, a mild and useful 
ionic, 454 ; sulphate of, a stronger 
tonic, ib. ; ditto, recommended for the 
cure of glanders, ib. 

Itchiness of the skin should always be 
regarded with suspicion, 458. 

James's powder, 442. 

Jaundice, symptoms and treatment of, 

229, 230. 
Jaw, the lower, admirable mechanism 

of. 120 ; upper, description of, 121. 
Jejunum, description of the, 211. 
Jointed shoe, the description and use of, 

353. 
lugular vein, bleeding from the, 167. 
Juniper, oil of, use of, 458. 

Kicking, a bad and inveterate habit. 
373. 

Kidneys, description of the, 230 ,- in- 
flammation of, symptoms and treat- 
ment of, 231. 

Knee, an anatomical description of the, 
253 ; tied in below, 258 ; broken, treat- 
ment of, 254, 421. 

Knowledge of the horse.how acquired, 46. 

Labykinth of the ear, description and 

use of the, 58. 
Lachrymal duct, description of the, 60; 

gland, description and use of the, ib. 
Lamed*, or laminae, horny, account of 

the, 297 ; fleshy, account of the, ib. ; 

weight of the horse, supported by the, 

ib. 
Lameness, shouider, method of ascer- 
taining, 246 ; from whatever cause, 

unsoundness, 426. 
Lampas, nature and treatment of, 119 ; 

cruelty of burning the bars for, 120. 
Laminae of the foot. See Lamellae. 



Lancet and fleam, comparison between 
them, 166. 

Laryngitis, chronic and acute, 172. 

Larynx, description of the, 143 ; inflam- 
mation of the, 171. 

Laudanum, the use of in veterinary 
practice, 461, 462. 

Lead, the compounds of, used in veter- 
inary practice, 459; extract of, its 
power much over-valued, ib. ; sugar 
of, use of, ib. ; white, use of, ib. 

Leather, soles, description and use of, 
353. 

Leg, cut of the, 87 ; description of the, 
256; fracture of the, 342. 

Legs, fore, the situation of, 246; hind, 
anatomical description of the, 271 ; 
swelled, 287. 

Levator humeri muscle, description of 
the, 250. 

Lever, muscular action explained on 
the principle of it, 248. 

Ligament of the neck, description and 
elasticity of the, 53, 54. 

Light, the degree of, in the stable, 389. 

Limbs, fracture of the, 337. 

Lime, the chloride of, exceedingly use- 
ful for bad smelling wounds, &c, 
459 ; the chloride of, valuable in 
cleansing stables from infection, ib. 

Liniments, the composition and use of, 
459. 

Linseed, an infusion of, used in catarrh, 
398, 460 ; meal forms the best poultice, 
460, 463. 

Lips, anatomy and uses of the, 117 
lips the hands of the horse, ib. 

Litter, the, cannot be too frequently re- 
moved, 387 ; proper substances for 
388 ; contraction not so much pro- 
duced by it as some imagine, 309. 

Liver, the anatomy and use of it, 213 ; 
diseases of the, 228. 

Locked jaw, symptoms, cause, and 
treatment of, 79. 

Loins, description of the, 150. 

Lucern, considered as an article of food. 
400. 

Lumbricus teres, or long white worm, 
the, 227. 

Lunar caustic, a very excellent applica- 
tion, 442. 

Lungs, description of the, 155; symp- 
toms of inflammation of the, 186 , 
causes of, ib. ; how distinguished 
from catarrh and distemper, 186, 187 ; 
treatment of. 188, 189 ; importance of 
early bleeding in, 190 ; blisters prefer- 
able to rowels or setons in, 191. 

Madness, the symptoms and treatment 

of, 76. 
Magnesia, the sulphate of, 460. 
Mallenders, the situation of, 270 ; the 

nature and treatment of, 286. 



478 



INDEX. 



Mammalia, the, an important class of 
animals, 45. 

Manchester, account of the course at, 
42. 

Mane, description and use of the, 139. 

Mange, description and treatment of, 
416; causes of, 416, 417; ointment, 
recipes for, 417 ; highly infectious, 
418 ; method of purifying the stable 
after, ib. 

Manger-feeding, the advantage of, 393. 

Mare, put to the horse too early, 237, 
238 ; deterioration in, 238 ; her proper 
form, ib. : breeding in-and-in, ib. ; 
time of being at heat, 239 ; time of 
going with foal, ib. ; best time for 
covering, ib. ; management of, when 
with foal, ib. ; management of, after 
foaling, ib. 

Mark of the teeth, what, 122. 

Mashes, importance of their use, 460 ; 
best method of making them, ib. 

Masseter muscle, description of the, 103. 

Maxillary bones, anatomy of the, 118; 
fractures of, 335, 336. 

Medicines, a list of the most useful, 
435 

Medullary substance of the brain, its 
nature and function, 50, 56. 

Megrims, cause, 69 ; symptoms, 70 ; 
treatment, ib. ; apt to return, ib. 

Melt, description of the, 213. 

Mercurial ointment, the use of, in veteri- 
nary practice, 456. 

Mercury, various preparations of, 456. 

Mesentery, description of the, 211. 

Metacarpals, description of the, 253. 

Midriff, description of the, 153. 

Moisture, want of, a cause of contraction, 
309. 

Moon-blindness, the nature of, 94. 

Morgan horse, cut of, 35 ; origin of, 36, 
37 ; character of, 37, 38. 

Moulting, the process of, 410; the horse 
usually languid at the time of, ib. ; no 
stimulant or spices should be given, 
ib. ; mode of treatment under, ib. 

Mounting the colt, 243. 

Mouth of the horse, description of the 
bones of, 118 ; should be always felt 
lightly in riding, ib. ; importance of 
its sensibility, ib. 

Mowburnt hay injurious, 399. 

Muriatic acid, its properties, 436. 

Muscles of the back, description of the, 
150 ; breast, ditto, 150 ; eye, ditto, 67 ; 
face, ditto, 102; neck, ditto, 138; ribs, 
ditto, 146 ; shoulder-blade, 250 ; lower 
bone of the shoulder, ib. ; the advan- 
tageous direction of, more important 
than their bulk, 247—249. 

Muscular action, the principle of, 252. 

Mustard, the use of, 461. 

Myrrh, the use of, for canker and 
wounds, 461. 



Nasalis labii superioris muscle, descrip. 
tion of the, 103. 

Nasal bones, fracture of, 335 ; deM:iip 
tion of, 49. 

gleet, 104. 

polypus, 104. 

Navicular bone, description of the, 300 ; 
the action and use of it, 301. 

Navicular joint, disease, nature and 
treatment of the, 311 ; how far con- 
nected with contraction, 312 ; the euro 
very uncertain, ib. ; fracture of, 342. 

Neck, anatomy and muscles of the. 138, 
139 ; description of the arteries of the, 
140 ; description of the veins of the, 
ib. ; bones of the, 138; proper confor- 
mation of the, ib. ; comparison be- 
tween long and short, 139 ; loose, 
what, ib. 

Nerves, the construction and theory of, 
46 ; spinal, the compound nature of, 
57 ; of the face, 102. 

Neurotomy, or nerve operation, object 
and effect of it, 86 ; manner of per- 
forming it, ib. ; cases in which it 
should or should not be performed 87, 
88 ; a vestige of the performance of 
it, constitutes unsoundness, 427. 

Nicking, the method of performing, 368; 
useless cruelty often resorted to, 369. 

Nitre, a valuable cooling medicine, and 
mild diuretic, 463. 

Nitric acid, for what employed, 436. 

Nitrous aether, spirit of, a mild stimulant 
and diuretic, 461. 

Norman horse, cut of, 30 ; imported into 
United States, ib. ; character of, 31. 

Nose, description of the bones of the, 
99, 100 ; spontaneous bleeding from. 
ib. ; the importance of its lining mem 
brane, 101, 169; the nose of the horse 
slit to increase his wind, 102. 

Nosebag, importance of the, 401. 

Nostrils, description of the, 99 ; peculiar 
inflammation of the membrane of the, 
50 ; the membrane of, important in 
ascertaining disease, 103, 169 ; im- 
portance of an expanded one, 101 , 
slit by some nations to increase the 
wind of the horse, 102. 

Nutriment, contained in the different ar- 
ticles of food, 392, et seq. 

Oats, the usual food of the horse, 395; 
should be old, heavy, dry, and sweet 
ib. ; kiln-dried, injurious to the horse 
ib. ; proper quantity of, for a horse, ib 

Oatmeal, excellent for gruel, and some 
times used as a poultice, 396. 

Occipital bone, description of the, 51. 

(Esophagus, description of the. 206. 

Olfactory nerves, the importance :>' 
them, 102. 

Olive oil, an emollient, 461. 

Omentum, description of the, 214. 



INDEX. 



479 



Opacity of the eye, the nature and 
treatment of, 94. 

Operations, description of the most im- 
portant, 359. 

Ophthalmia, 94. 

Opium, its great value in veterinary 
practice, 461 ; adulterations of it, 
462. 

Orbicularis muscle of the eye, descrip- 
tion of it, 67. 

Orbit of the eye, fracture of, 68. 

Os femoris, account of, 275. 

Ossification of the cartilages : cause and 
treatment of, 332. 

Over-reach, the nature and treatment of, 
319, 380 ; often producing sandcrack 
or quittor. 380. 

Ozena, account ef, 105. 

Pachydermata, an order of animals, 
44. 

Pack-wax, or ligamentum colli, descrip- 
tion of the, 53, 136. 

Palate, description of the, 143. 

Palm-oil, the best substance for making 
up balls, 462. 

Palsy, the causes and treatment of, 84. 

Pancreas, description of the, 230. 

Paps or barbs, 133. 

Parietal bones, description of the, 51. 

Paring out of the foot for shoeing, direc- 
tions for, 343 ; neglect of, a cause of 
contraction, 309. 

Parotid gland, description of the, and its 
diseases, 103, 133. 

Pastern, upper, fracture of, 340 ; lower, 
fracture of, 341 ; description of the, 
263, 267 ; bones of the, ib. ; cut of the, 
ib. ; proper obliquity of the, 264. 

Patella or stifle bone, description of the, 
275 ; fracture of, 339. 

Pawing, remedy for, 381. 

Payment of the smallest sum completes 
the purchase jof a horse, 431. 

Peas, sometimes' used as food, but should 
be crushed, 398. 

Pectineus muscle, the, 273. 

Pectorales muscles, description of the, 
251. 

Pedigrees of American trotters, 40. 

Pelvis, fracture of the, 337. 

Pericardium, description of the, 155. 

Perspiration, insensible, no medicines 
will certainly increase it, 410. 

Pharynx, anatomy of the, 135. 

Phrenitis, 74. 

Phthisis pulmonalis, description of, 199. 

Physic balls, method of compounding the 
best, 442; should never be given in 
inflammation of the Kings, 154. 

Physicking, rules for, 224. 

Pia mater, description of the, 56. 

Pied horse, account of the, 412. 

Pigmeutum nigrum, account of the, 63. 

Piper, description of the. 198. 



Pit of the eye, the, indicative of the ase,4g 
I Pitch, its use for charges and plastera 
462. 

Pleura, description of the, 154. 

Pleurisy, the nature and treatment of, 
154, 200. 

Pneumonia, the nature and treatment of, 
186. 

Poll-evil, the cause and treatment of, 13C 
importance of the free escape of the 
matter, 137. 

Postea spinatus muscle, description of 
the, 251. 

Potash, the compound of, 462. 

Potatoes, considered as an article of 
food, 401. 

Poultices, their various compositions, 
manner of acting, and great use, 463. 

Powders, comparison between them and 
balls, 464. 

Pressure on the brain, effect of, 69. 

Prick, in the loot, treatment of, 324 ; in- 
jurious method of removing the horn 
in searching for, 326. 

Pulse, the natural standard of the, 158 ; 
varieties of the, ib. ; importance of at- 
tention to the, ib. ; the most conveni- 
ent place to feel it, ib. ; the finger on 
the pulse during the bleeding, 159. 

Pumiced feet, description and treatment 
of, 305 ; do not admit of cure, 306 ; 
constitute unsoundness, 427. 

Pupil of the eye, description of the, 64, 
the mode of discovering blindness in 
it, ib. 

Purchase, to complete the, there must be 
a memorandum, or payment of some 
sum, however small, 431. 

Purging, violent, treatment of, 222, 223. 

Quarters of the horse, description of 
the, 272 ; importance of their muscu- 
larity and depth, ib. ; foot, description 
of, 293 ; the inner, crust thinner and 
weaker at, 295 ; folly of lowering the 
crust, ib. 

Ouidding the food, cause of, 381 ; un- 
soundness while it lasts, 427. 

Q,uinine, the sulphate of, 443. 

duittor, the nature and treatment of, 
321 ; the treatment often long and dif- 
ficult, exercising the patience both of 
the practitioner aud owner, 322, 323 ; 
is unsoundness, 428. 

Rabies, symptoms of, 76. 

Race-horse, English, pedigree of, 17; 

excels the Arabian, 18 ; form of, 19 , 

examples of, 19, 20. 21. 
Racers may beget trotters, 40. 
Racks, no openings should be allowed 

above them, 386. 
Radius, description of the, 252. 
Ragged-hipped, what. 272 ; no impedi 

ment to action, ib. 



480 



INDEX. 



Raking, the operation of, 465. 

Rearing, a dangerous and inveterate 
habit, 375. 

Recruit, beat the best Arabian in India. 
18. 

Recti muscles, of the neck, description 
of, 138; of the thigh, 273. 

Rectum, description of the, 211, 212. 

Reins, description of the proper, 118. 
esin, its use in veterinary practice, 
464. 

Respiratory nerves, the, 57. 

Restiveness, a bad habit, and never 
cured, 370. 

Retina, description of the, 66. 

Retractor muscle of the eye, description 
of it, 67 

Rheumatism, 85. 

Ribbed-home, advantage of being, 148. 

Ribs, anatomy of the, 146. 

Ring-bone, the nature and treatment of, 
268, 269 ; constitutes unsoundness, 
428.' 

Roach-backed, what, 150. 

Roan horses, account of, 412. 

Roaring, the nature of, 172, 198; curi- 
ous history of, 173 ; constitutes un- 
soundness. 423 ; from tight reining, 
173 ; from buckling in crib-biting, ib. ; 
treatment of, 174. 

Rolling, danger of, and remedy for, 381. 

Roman nose in the horse, what, 99. 

Round-bone, the, can scarcely be dislo- 
cated, 275. 

Rowels, manner of inserting, and their 
operation, 464 ; comparison between 
them, blisters, and setons, 366. | 

Running away, method of restraining, ! 
375. 

Rupture, treatment of, 227 ; of the sus- 
pensory ligament, 265. 

Rye-grass, considered as an article of ! 
food, 400. 

Saddles, the proper construction of, 
151 ; points of, ib. 

Saddle-backed, what, 150; galls, treat-; 
ment of, 152. 

Saddling of the colt, 243. 

Sainfoin used as an article of food, 400. 

Sal ammoniac, the medical use of, 441. 

Saliva, its nature and use, 132. 

Salivary glands, description of the, 
132. 

Sallenders, nature and treatment of, 
286. 

Salt, use of in veterinary practice. 465 ; 
value of, mingled in the food of aui 
mals, 399. 

Sampson, 18. 

Sandal, Mr. Percivall's, 356. 

Sandcrack, the situation of, 270 ; the na- 
ture and treatment of, 317, 318; most 
dangerous when proceeding from 
tread, 318; liable to return, unless 



the brittleness of the hoof is remedied. 
ib. ; constitutes unsoundness, 428. 
Sartorius muscle, description of the, 272 
Scapula, description of the, 246. 
Sclerotica, description of the, 62. 
Scouring, general treatment of, 218, 219 
Secale cornutum, the effect of, 465. 
Sedatives, a list of them, and their mode 

of action, 465. 
Serratus major muscle, description of 

the, 250. 
Sessamoid bones, admirable use of in 
obviating concussion, 366 ; fracture of, 
264, 340. 
Setons, mode of introducing, 366 ; cases 
in which they are indicated, ib. ; com- 
parison between them and rowels and 
blisters, ib. 
Shank-bone, the, 256. 
Shoe, the concave-seated, cut of, 348 ; 
described and recommended, ib. ; the 
manner in which the old one should 
be taken oft', 343 ; the putting on of 
the shoe. 345 ; it should be fitted to 
the foot, and not the foot to the shoe, 
ib. ; description of the hinder, 347 ; 
the unilateral, or one side nailed shoe, 
350 ; the bar shoe. 352 ; the tip, ib. ; 
the hunting, 351 ; the jointed, or ex- 
pansion, 353. 
Shoeing not necessarily productive of 
contraction. 309 ; preparation of the 
foot for, 343 ; the principles of, 344. 
Shoulder, anatomical description of the, 
246 ; slanting direction of the, advan- 
tageous, 247, 248 ; when it should be 
oblique, and when upright, 249 ; . 
sprain of the, 246 ; lameness, method 
of ascertaining, ib. ; fracture of the, 
338. 
Shoulder-blade, muscles of the, 246 ; 
lower bone of the, description of, 
252 ; muscles of the, 252, 253. 
Shying, the probable cause of, 66, 381 ; 
treatment of. 382 ; on coming out of 
the stable, description of, 383. 
Side-line, description of the, 359. 
Sight, the acute sense of, in the horse, 

59. 
Silver, the nitrate of, an excellent caus- 
tic, 442. 
Singeing, recommendation of, 407. 
Sinuses in the foot, necessity of follow- 
ing them as far as they reach, 328 
frontal, of the head, 49. 
Sitfasts, treatment of, 151. 
Skeleton of the horse, description of the, 

45. 
Skin, anatomical description of the 
405 ; functions and uses of it, 405. 
406 ; pores of it, 409 ; when the an 
imal is in health, is soft and elastic, 403 
Skull, anatomical description of the, 47 
arched form of the roof, 55 ; fracture 
of the, 68, 335. 



INDEX. 



-181 



Slipping the halter, remedy for, 383. 
Smell, the sense and seat of, 101 ; very 

acute in the horse, ib. 
Snap, 2. 

Soap, its use in veterinary practice, 466. 
Soda, chloride of, its use in ulcers, 465 ; 

sulphate of, ib. 
Sole, the horny, description of, 297 ; 
descent of, 298 ; proper form of, ib. ; 
management of, in shoeing, ib. ; the 
sensible, 298 ; felt or leather, their use. 
353. 
Sore-throat, symptoms and treatment 

of, 171. 
Soundness, consists in there being no 
disease or alteration of structure that 
does or is likely to impair the useful- 
ness of the horse, 420 ; considered 
with reference to the principal causes 
of unsoundness, 421. 
Spasmodic colic, nature and treatment 

of, 215. 
Spavin, blood, the nature and treatment 
of, 165 ; is unsoundness, 428 ; bog, 
cause, nature and treatment of, 164, 
165, 281 ; bone, 283 ; why not always 
accompanied by lameness, ib. ; is un- 
soundness, 428. 
Spavined horses, the kind of work they 

are capable of, 284. 
Speedy-cut, account of, 257. 
Sphenoid bone, description of the, 55. 
Spine, description of the, 145, 146 ; 

fracture of, 336. 
Spleen, description of the, 213, 230. 
Splenius muscle, description of the, 

138. 
Splint, nature and treatment of, 256, 
270 ; when constituting unsoundness, 
429 ; bones, description of the, 256. 
Sprain of the back sinews, treatment of, 
258, 270 ; sometimes requires firing, 
260 ; auy remaining thickening consti- 
tutes unsoundness, 429 ; sprain of the 
shoulder, 246. 
Stables, dark, an occasional cause of in- ■ 
flammation of the eye, 95 ; hot and 
foul, a frequent one of iuflammation 
of the eye, ib. ; ditto, lungs, 385 ; 
ditto, glanders, 112, 113; should be 
large, compared with the number of I 
horses, ib. ; the management of, too 
much neglected by the owner of the 
horse, ib. ; the ceiling of, should be 
plastered, if there is a loft above, ib. ; ! 
should be so contrived that the urine 
will run off, 388; the stalls should 
not have too much declivity, ib. ; 
should be sufficiently light, yet with- 
^ out any glaring color, 388, 389. 
Staggers, stomach, symptoms, cause, and 
treatment of, 70, 71, 401 ; generally 
fatal, 71 ; producing blindness, 73 ; 
sometimes epidemic, ib. ; mad, symp- 
toms and treatment, 74. n-t 



Staling, profuse, cause and treatment of, 

233. 
Stallion, description of the proper, fot 

breeding, 237. 
Starch, useful in superpurgation, 466. 
Stargazer, the, 139. 
Sternum, or breast-bone, description of 

the, 147, 251. 
Stifle, description of the, 275 ; accidents 

and diseases of the, ib. 
Stomach, description of the, 206, 207; 
very small in the horse, 207 ; inflam- 
mation of the, 207, 208 ; pump recom 
mended in apoplexy, 72. 
Stone in the bladder, symptoms and 

treatment of, 235 ; kidney, ib. 
Stoppings, the best composition of, and 

their great use, 466. 
Strangles, symptoms and treatment of, 
133 ; distinguished from glanders, 
109 ; the importance of blistering 
early in, 134. 
Strangury, produced by blistering, 363 ; 

treatment of, 364. 
Strawberry horse, account of the, 412 
Stringhalt, nature of, 83; is decidedlv 

unsoundness, 83, 429. 
Structure of the horse, importance of a 

knowledge of, 46. 
Strychnia, account of, 467. 
Stylo-maxillaris muscle, description of 

the, 102. 
Sublingual gland, description of the, 

133. 
Submaxillary glands, description of the, 

133 ; artery, description of the, 103. 
Sub-scapulo hyoideus muscle, descrip 

tion of the, 103. 
Sugar of lead, use of, 459. 
Sulphate of copper, use of in veteri 
nary practice, 449 ; iron, 454 ; mag- 
nesia, 460 ; zinc, 468. 
Sulphur, an excellent alterative and in- 
gredient in all applications for manure, 
467. 
Surfeit, _ description and treatment of, 

415 ; importance of bleeding in, 416. 
Suspensory ligament, beautiful mechan- 
ism of the, 265 ; rupture of the, ib. , 
suspensory muscle of the eye, descrip- 
tion of the, 67. 
Swallowing without grinding, 377. 
Swelled legs, cause and treatment 
287 ; most frequently connected v\ 
debility, ib. 
Sweetbread, description of the, 213. 
Sympathetic nerves, description of the, 
58. 

Tail, anatomy of the, 145 ; fracture of 
the, 337 ; docking, 367 ; nicking, 368. 

Tar, its use in veterinary practice, 467. 

Tares, a nutritive and healthy food, 
399. 

Tartar, cream of, 463. 

U 



482 



INDEX. 



Tears, the secretion and nature of the, 60. 

Teeth, description of the, as connect- 
ed with age, 121 ; at birth, ib. ; 2 
months, ib. ; 12 months, 122; 18 
months, 123 ; the front sometimes 
pushed out, that the next pair may 
sooner appear, and the horse seem to 
be older than he is, 124 ; 3 years, ib. ; 
3 A years, 125 ; 4 years, ib. ; 4£ years. 
126 ; 5 years, ib. ; 6 years, 127 ; 7 
>ears, 128; 8 years, ib. ; change of 
,ne, 123 ; enamel of the, 122 ; irregular, 
inconvenience and danger of, 131 ; 
mark of the, 122 ; frauds practised 
with regard to the, 124, 125 ; diseases 
of the, 130. 

Temper denoted by the eye, 59 ; by the 
ear, 58. 

Temperature, sudden change of, injuri- 
ous in its effect, 385. 

Temporal bones, description of the, 51. 

Tendons of the leg, 256. 

Tetanus, symptoms, causes and treat- 
ment of, 79. 

Thick wind, nature and treatment of, 
194, 198 ; often found in round-chested 
horses, 195. 

Thigh and haunch bones, description of, 
271, 272; form of, 272; should be 
long and muscular, ib. ; description of 
the muscles of the inside of the upper 
bone of, 272, 273 ; do. of the outside, 
ib. ; mechanical calculation of their 
power, 273, 274. 

Thorough-pin, the nature and treatment 
of, 277 ; is not unsoundness, 429. 

Thrush, nature and treatment of, 328 ; 
the consequences, rather than the 
cause of contraction, ib. ; its serious 
nature and consequences not suffi- 
ciently considered, 329 ; constitutes 
unsoundness. 430. 

Thymus gland, the, 153. 

Thyroid cartilage of the windpipe, de- 
scription of the 143. 

Tibia, account of the, 276, 279 ; fracture 
of, 339. 

Tied in below the knee, nature and dis- 
advantage of, 258. 

Tinctures, account of the best, 467. 

Tips, description and use of, 352. 

Tobacco, when used, 467. 

Toe, bleeding at the, described, 168. 

Tongue, anatomy of the, 131; diseases 
oC 132 ; bladders along the under 
part of, ib. 

Tonics, an account of the best, 467 ; 
their use and danger in veterinary 
practice, 468. 
Torsion, the mode of castration by, 245 ; 

forceps, description of, ib. 
Trachea, or windpipe, description of, 

144 ; inflammation of, 172. 
Tracheotomy, 143; operation of, 143, 
144. 



Trapezius muscle, description of the 

250. 
Trapezium bone, description of the, 253 
Tread, nature and treatment of, 319 

often producing sandcrack or qailtor 

ib. 
Tripping, an annoying and inveterate 

habit, 384. 
Trochanter of the thigh, description of 

the, 272. 
Trochlearis muscle, the, 67. 
Trotter, American, cut of, 41 ; pedigrees 

of, 40, 41 ; superiority to the English, 

41, 42 ; reasons for, 42, 43. 
Turbinated bones, description of the, 

101. 
Turpentine, the best diuretic, 468 ; a 

useful ingredient in many ointments, 

ib. 
Tushes, description of the, 125—127. 
Twitch, description of the, 360. 

Ulcers in the mouth, treatment of, 131. 

Ulna, description of the, 252. 

Ungulata, a tribe of animals, 44. 

Unilateral shoe, 349. 

Unsoundness, contraction does not al- 
ways cause it, 307 ; being discovered, 
the animal should be tendered, 431 ; 
ditto, but the tender or return not le- 
gally necessary, ib. ; the horse may 
be returned and action brought for 
depreciation in value, but this not ad- 
visable, 432 ; medical means may be 
adopted to cure the horse, they are, 
however, better declined, lest in an 
unfortunate issue of the case they 
should be misrepresented, 431. 

Unsteadiness whilst mounting, remedy 
for. 374. 

Urine, albuminous, 234 ; bloody, 233. 

Vastus muscle, description of the, 273. 
Veins, description of the, 164 ; of the 

arm, description, &c, 250 ; of the neck, 

ditto, 140 ; of the face, ditto, 102 ; of 

the shoulder, ditto, 250 ; inflammation 

of the, treatment of, 141. 
Vena portarum, the, 213. 
Verdigris, an uncertain medicine, when 

given internally, 449 ; a mild caustic. 

ib. > 
Vermin, account of, 419. 
Vertebrae, the dorsal and lumbar, 145. 
Vertebrated animal, the horse a, 44. 
Viees of horses, account of the, 370. 
Vicious to clean, a bad habit that should 

be conquered, 375 ; to shoe, a bad 

habit that may also be conquered, 

376. 
Vinegar, its use in veterinary practice, 

436. 
Vines, Mr., his use of the Spanish fly m 

glanders, 445. 
Vision, theory of, 63. 



INDEX. 



483 



Vitreous humor of the eye, account of 
the, 65. 

Vitriol, blue, use of, in veterinary prac- 
tice, 449. 

Wall-eyed horses, what, 64 ; whether 
they become blind, ib. 

Warbles, treatment of, 152. 

Warranty, the form of a, 430 ; breach 
of, how established, ib. ; no price will 
imply it, 431 ; when there is none, 
the action must be brought on the 
ground of fraud, ib. 

Warts, method of getting rid of, 419. 

Washing of the heels, productive of 
grease, 291. 

Washy horses, description and treat- 
ment of, 223. 

Water, generally given too sparingly, 
402 ; management of on a journey, 403 ; 
the difference in effect, between hard 
and soft, 402 ; spring, principally in- 
jurious on account of its coldness, ib. ; 
stomach of the horse, the, 212. 

Water farcy, nature and treatment of, 
116. 

Wax used in charges and plasters, 468. 

Weakness of the foot, what, 331. 

Weaving indicating an irritable temper, 
and no cure for it, 384. 

Wheat, considered as food for the horse, 
397 ; inconvenience and danger of it, 

3!»S 



Wheezer, description of the, 198 ; is un- 
sound, 423. 

Whistler, description of the, 398 ; is un 
sound, 423. 

White lead, use of, 459 ; vitriol, its use 
in veterinary practice, 469. 

Wind, broken, nature and treatment of 
196 ; galls, description and treatment 
of, 261, 268 ; ditto, unsoundness when 
they cause lameness, or are likely to 
do so, 430 ; thick, nature and treat 
ment of, 194. 

"Windpipe, description of the, 143 , 
should be prominent and loose, ib. 

Wind-sucking, nature of, and remedy 
for, 380. 

Withers, description of the, 150 ; high, 
advantage of, ib. ; fistulous, treatment 
of, 1 51. 

Worms, different kinds, and treatment 
of, 227. 

Wounds in the feet, treatment of, 324. 

Yellows, symptoms and treatment of 
the, 229. 

Zinc, its use in medicine, 468. 
Zoological classification of the horse 

44. 
Zygomatic arch, reason of the strong 

construction of the, 52. 
Zygomaticus muscle, description of ***** 

103. 



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